Immediate Results
According to a report by the American Cancer Society, smoking contributes to almost one out of every five deaths in the United States, but by quitting smoking, health can begin to improve within minutes. After quitting smoking, it only takes 20 minutes for one's blood pressure and heart rate to drop. Within 8 to 12 hours, the level of carbon monoxide in the blood decreases. After two weeks of not smoking, the body circulates blood more efficiently.
Lung Function
According to the Mercy Behavioral Health Center, smoking is a major factor in lung cancer; however, after only three months of not smoking, lung function begins to improve. Within nine months of quitting, shortness of breath and coughing decrease, and the lungs have repaired their ability to function, making it easier to clear out mucus and reduce infection.
Heart Disease and Stroke
The American Cancer Society states that smoking can lead to coronary heart disease and stroke. However, after just one year of not smoking, the risk of coronary heart disease decreases by half, compared to a smoker's risk. After 15 years of not smoking, the rate of coronary heart disease lowers to the amount of someone who has never smoked. The chances of avoiding a stroke also improve. In five years, the risk of having a stroke decreases to that of a person who does not smoke. Smoking cessation also lowers the risk of smoking-related diseases, such as pneumonia and emphysema, to that of a nonsmoker.
Cancer
The Mercy Behavioral Health Center estimates that smoking is related to one-third of cancers, including cancer of the lungs, tongue, throat, stomach and pancreas. Within 10 years of quitting smoking, the risk of dying from lung cancer is 50 percent less than a smoker's. Other forms of smoking-related cancer decrease within 10 years as well. The American Cancer Society calls smoking-related deaths the single most-preventable cause of death in the United States, because smoking cigarettes is a voluntary habit that can significantly shorten people's lifespans. Some smokers may think they have done too much damage already, but quitting smoking at any time helps improve one's health, both in the short term and long term.
Tags: American Cancer, American Cancer Society, Cancer Society, coronary heart, coronary heart disease, quitting smoking, Behavioral Health