Thought Leadership in Action

The fact is smoking causes the majority of lung cancers — both in smokers and in people exposed to secondhand smoke.  The most deadly cancer for both males and females is lung cancer. But did you know that within five years of quitting - your lung cancer death rate is almost half that of someone who still smokes one pack per day!

Most smokers would like to quit smoking. However, most people aren’t able to quit on the first try and they give up trying again, thinking “it’s too late anyway.” If you’re struggling with this addiction, it’s important to note that the benefits of quitting are almost immediate, regardless of how long you’ve been smoking. In fact it is never too late to quit smoking!

 4 Things That Happen Immediately When You Quit Smoking:

1. Within 20 minutes- your blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal. The temperature of your hands and feet increases to normal.
2. Within 24 hours- your risk of a heart attack goes down.
3. Within 48 hours- your senses of smell and taste begin to return to normal.
4. Within 2 weeks to 3 months- your circulation improves and walking becomes easier. Your lung function increases by up to 30%.

4 Long Term Things That Happen When You Quit Smoking:

1. Within 1 - 9 months- symptoms like coughing, stuffy nose, fatigue, and shortness of breath improve. You will have fewer illnesses, colds, and asthma attacks.
2. Within 1 year- your risk of coronary heart disease is half that of someone still using tobacco.
3. Within 5 years- your lung cancer death rate is almost half that of someone who still smokes one pack per day. Your risk of cancer of the mouth is half that of a tobacco user.
4. Within 10 years- your lung cancer death rate becomes similar to that of someone who never smoked.

Learn how you can quit smoking from A.D.A.M.'s responsive Wellness Tools located within our SmartEngage product. If you have more questions? Ask A Doctor. If you are interested in licensing our content, please contact us.