According to the World Cancer Research Fund about 10,000 cases of breast and bowel cancer could be prevented each year in the UK if people did more brisk walking.  Physical exercise helps prevent obesity, which is a cancer risk factor - read the full article from the BBC. 

Clients always comment that they walk more briskly and purposefully when nordic walking, making it easier to burn more calories.  Even walking at your usual pace with poles will help you use about 20% more energy because you use arms as well as legs for a total body workout.  Read more about the benefits of nordic walking.

And if you need another reason to go nordic walking, researchers at the University of Essex reported that outdoor 'green' exercise improves mood and self-esteem, so it's good for mind as well as body.