See the many ways quitting will benefit your health.
Brain — Your risk of stroke (the third leading cause of death in the
U.S.) decreases steadily after you quit. In five years, it’s as if you never smoked.
Eyes — People who smoke may have two to three times the risk of developing
cataracts. When you quit, you may lower the risk.
Mouth and Throat — Five years after quitting, your risk of mouth cancers
is cut in half. Plus you can expect healthier gums and better breath!
Immune System — Smoking damages the immune system: Smokers are more
likely to get infections, and illnesses last longer. After you quit, your risk of
infections like pneumonia and bronchitis decreases.
Heart — Cigarettes may be associated with sudden cardiac death. In
just one year, your risk will be cut in half.
Lungs — Your lungs start working better in one to nine months – with
less coughing, congestion and shortness of breath. Ten years after you quit your
risk of developing lung cancer is cut up to one half.
Fertility — For men, smoking may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
Quitting smoking now may can help you avoid that increased risk. For women, smoking
is harmful during every part of your baby’s development. Quitting before or early
in your pregnancy may reduce the risk of miscarriage and having a low birth-weight
baby.
Other Organs — Just a few years after you quit, your risk of bladder
cancer is cut almost in half. After ten years, quitting reduces the risk of developing
pancreatic cancer.