Walking just one mile each day can decrease your risk of both breast and prostate cancer a new report now suggests.

Calculations by Walking Health, run by Macmillan Cancer Support and Ramblers, states that walking at a moderate pace, of an average of 3 mph for one mile, or walking 20 minutes a day at a faster pace, could reduce the risk of dying of breast by as much as 40%. It can also reduce the risk of dying of prostate cancer by 30%.

Walking Health based its estimates on the guidelines from the Chief Medical Officer, which is 150 minutes of physical activity a week. The guidelines for walking are typically 3mph or slightly faster.

Exercise can greatly reduce cancer side effects such as swelling of the arms, anxiety, depression, weight gain and fatigue. It is estimated that despite the benefits only 1.6 million of the two million currently living with these types of cancer are active at the recommended levels.

Ciaran Devane, the chief executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, says: ''We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to what is a very simple and obvious solution. Physical activity is a wonder drug and health care professionals must prescribe physical activity, such as walking, as a standard part of cancer recovery.''

The chief executive of Ramblers, Benedict Southworth, adds, "It is increasingly clear that walking even short distances regularly can make the world of difference for those recovering from and managing cancer or other serious health conditions.''

For those with cancer walking is also beneficial to their health and can help them fight depression. Walking in a group can help build friendships and deter depression that often tightly grips those who suffer from cancer. Walking is beneficial and when you add walking in groups you suddenly find yourself with a new and important support system.