Reducing Your Lung Cancer Risk

If you’re one of the 19 percent of women who continue to put themselves at risk by lighting up, here’s an inspiring look at the benefits of quitting. — Kimberly Papa

After You've Quit, Health Benefit You Gain 12 hours, The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal. 48 hours, Your abilities to smell and taste are enhanced, and nerve endings start regrowing. 2 weeks to 3 months, Your circulation improves and lung function increases. 1 to 9 months, Coughing and shortness of breath decrease, as cilia (the tiny hairlike structures in lungs) become better able to clean the lungs and reduce the risk of infection. 1 year, Your risk of heart disease is half that of an active smoker. 5 to 15 years, Your stroke risk is the same as a nonsmoker’s. 10 years, Your risk of dying of lung cancer is half that of an active smoker, while your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas also drop. 15 years, Your risk of heart disease is the same as a nonsmoker’s.