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What Happens when you Quit?

Many smokers have heard the negative effects of smoking and know that quitting can lower chances of getting related cancers. However, the benefits of quitting begin with the first 20 minutes and can continue as long as one stays quit.

After smoking the last cigarette:

20 Minutes
  • Blood pressure and pulse drop to normal
  • Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal

8 Hours
  • Carbon monoxide levels in blood drop to normal
  • Oxygen levels in blood increase to normal
24 Hours
  • Chance of heart attack decreases
48 Hours
  • Nerve endings start to re-grow
  • Smell and taste abilities are enhanced

2 Weeks to 3 Months
  • Circulation improves
  • Walking becomes easier
  • Lung function increases by up to 30%
1 to 9 Months
  • Coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath and sinus congestion decrease
  • Cilia re-grow in lungs, increasing the lungs' ability to clean itself, handle mucus and reduce infection

1 Year
  • Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
5 Years
  • Lung cancer death rate decreases by almost half, for average (1 pack a day) former smoker
  • Stroke risk reduced to that of a non-smoker
  • Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker
10 Years
  • Lung cancer death is similar to that of a non-smoker
  • Precancerous cells are replaced
  • Risk of cancer of mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, cervix and pancreas decreases
15 Years
  • Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker

(Source: American Cancer Society)

In addition to the health benefits, overall appearance will also improve by eliminating the yellow teeth, stale breath and smell of cigarette smoke on hair and clothes. Confidence will grow because quitting and leading a smoke-free lifestyle can give someone a strong sense of satisfaction and the feeling that they can accomplish anything.

And quitters may have more money! Those who smoked 20 cigarettes a day will save themselves about $900 a year. Non-smokers also pay less for life insurance premiums.