A decade of smoking cessation in Europe
The continent with the worst smoking habit is gradually giving it up. A range of anti-smoking policies and new cessation products has led to reduced rates of smoking in most countries, which will eventually impact on smoking-related deaths.
Delayed health benefits of quitting tobacco
Quitting smoking has both immediate and long-term health benefits. After just a few weeks, circulation and lung function improve, and in the years that follow, risk of cancers and cardiovascular disease begin to reduce to that of non-smokers.
1 year: Your risk of coronary heart disease is about half that of a smoker.
5 years: Your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5 to 15 years after quitting.
10 years: Your risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker and your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, cervix, and pancreas decreases.
15 years: Your risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker.
