Benefits of Quitting Smoking

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There are short and long term benefits of quitting cigarette smoking. The short term benefits can be obtained a week to a month after smoking. The long term benefits can be acquired years after quitting cigarette smoking.

Within one week

Taste and smell dramatically improve
Most physical withdrawal symptoms disappear
Fetus is free of nicotine
Teeth are whiter and mouth is fresher

Within one month

Circulation improves
Blood platelets are activated
Respiratory problems decrease
Energy and stamina increase
Pulse rate and blood pressure decrease
Hands and feet are warmer
Heart beat returns to normal
Stomach ulcer risk is minimized
Shortness of breath is reduced
Immune system is boosted
Skin color and tone are improved

Long term benefits

Pancreatic cancer risk is reduced 10 years after quitting, as compared to a continuing smoker.
Peripheral artery disease risk is reduced compared to a continuing smoker.
Stroke risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker 5-15 years after quitting.
Risk of mouth, throat, and esophagus cancer is halved 5 years after quitting, as compared to a continuing smoker.
Laryngeal cancer risk is reduced as compared to a continuing smoker.
Excess risk for coronary heart disease is halved one year after quitting. The risk equals that of a non-smoker 15 year after quitting.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease risk of death is reduced after long-term quitting, as compared to a continuing smoker.
Lung cancer risk halved about 10 years after quitting, as compared to a continuing smoker.
Ulcer risk is reduced after quitting, as compared to a continuing smoker.
Bladder cancer risk if halved a few years after quitting, as compared to a continuing smoker.
Cervical cancer risk is reduced a few years after quitting, as compared to a continuing smoker.
Low birthweight baby risk is reduced to that of a non-smoker for women who quit before pregnancy or during the first trimester.