Future Improvements

The benefits of quitting continue to accumulate for years after you put out your last cigarette. For example, five to 15 years after quitting, your risk of stroke is equivalent to that of a nonsmoker. Ten years after quitting, the risk of lung cancer drops to half that of a current smoker. By the time you’ve reached 15 years without smoking, your risk of coronary heart disease will equal that of a nonsmoker.

Risks for other cancers also are greater for smokers than nonsmokers. After quitting, the risks for these cancers also drop over time. This includes cancer of the cervix, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder and pancreas.

Quitting smoking can be very difficult, and many people who have successfully quit required more than one try before they succeeded. Withdrawal symptoms – such as nervousness, headaches, irritability or difficulty sleeping – are common, and often cause people to return to their habit. However, growing evidence shows that success rates increase when people seek outside help to quit.

Many programs are offered by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and American Lung Association to help people quit using tobacco. There are also numerous over-the-counter and prescription products, such as nicotine gums and patches. Psychological counseling also can help you kick the habit for good.