Benefits of Quitting Tobacco Use
Stroke risk may be reduced to about the same as a person who never smoked after 2 to 5 years of not smoking. Cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus risks are halved within 5 years after quitting. Cancer of the larynx risk is reduced after quitting.
Coronary heart disease risk is cut by half 1 year after quitting and is nearly the same as someone who never smoked 15 years after quitting.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk of death is reduced after you quit. Lung cancer risk drops by as much as half 10 years after quitting. Ulcer risk drops after quitting.
Bladder cancer risk is halved within 5 years of quitting. Peripheral artery disease goes down after quitting. Cervical cancer risk is reduced a few years after quitting.
Low birth weight baby risk drops to normal if you quit before pregnancy or during your first trimester.
- Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate calms down.
- Within 8 hours, there is much more oxygen in your blood, and mucus begins to clear out of your lungs, making it easier to breathe.
- Within 48 hours, things smell and taste better.
- Within 3 months, blood circulation improves, and your body is better able to fight infection.
- Within 9 months, you have less sinus congestion, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
- After 1 year, your risk of dying of a heart attack is cut in half.
- After 5 years, you have much less chance of having a stroke.
- After 10 years, your risk of getting lung cancer is cut in half.
Quitting Tobacco Resources:
CT Quitline - call CT Quitline at 1–800-784-8669
Become an Ex - relearn life without smoking