Facts About Quitting

What happens when you quit smoking?

20 minutes

Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins changes that continue for years to come.

8 hours

48 hours

2 weeks to
3 months

Lung function increases up to 30%.

1 to 9
months

Cilia regrows in lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, reduce infection.

1 year

Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.

5 years

Lung cancer death rate for average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half.
Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting.
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat and esophagus is half that of a smoker's.

10 years

Lung cancer death rate similar to that of nonsmokers.
Precancerous cells are replaced.
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases.

15 years

Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker.

Source: American Cancer Society & Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Take Action NOW!

Visit the Quitsite or Call the Quitline

1-866-NY-QUITS
(1-866-697-8487)

For Quit Resources in other parts of New York State, go here.