Figure 3.3.6

Excess cancer mortality avoided since quitting smoking among US adults aged 25–89-years-old who formerly smoked

Quitting smoking has huge health benefits.

Within just 10 years of quitting, the risk of one dying from cancer drops to less than half of what it would be if one continued smoking. Even 30 years later, there’s still a slightly higher risk compared to someone who never smoked—but it’s more than 90% lower than if one had continued smoking all that time.

Source

Thomson B, Islami F. Association of smoking cessation and cardiovascular, cancer, and respiratory mortality. JAMA Internal Medicine. 2024; 184(1):110-112.