Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 2 hrs ago
Quitting smoking lowers lung cancer risk, even after years of smoking
Dr Jitesh Rajpurohit, a thoracic surgical oncologist at SSO Cancer Hospitals, says quitting can help even after years of smoking.
Cigarette smoke damages lung cells, and stopping ends the ongoing exposure, giving the lungs a chance to heal.
Lung function and circulation can improve within weeks, while inflammation and breathing symptoms may improve over time.
After 10 years, the risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of someone who keeps smoking.
But former smokers may still face a higher risk than people who never smoked, so quitting does not remove the need for care.
People with a heavy smoking history should have regular medical follow-ups and ask a doctor about low-dose CT screening.
Quitting smoking reduces lung cancer risk over time, even after years of tobacco use.
Dr Jitesh Rajpurohit said quitting stops ongoing lung injury and gives the lungs an opportunity to heal.
Lung function and circulation can improve within weeks of stopping smoking.
After 10 years, the risk of dying of lung cancer is about half that of someone who continues smoking.
Former smokers may still have a higher risk than people who never smoked, and heavy smokers should discuss follow-ups and screening with a doctor.
- Who
- People who quit smoking, including those with years of tobacco use.
- What
- Quitting reduces lung cancer risk over time but does not erase past exposure.
- When
- Improvements can begin within weeks; after 10 years, the risk of dying of lung cancer is about half that of someone who continues smoking.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Stopping smoking ends ongoing injury to the lungs and can reduce long-term risk.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lung function and circulation improve.
Inflammation subsides and respiratory symptoms improve.
The risk of dying of lung cancer is about half that of someone who continues smoking.
- Expert
- Dr Jitesh Rajpurohit
- Affiliation
- SSO Cancer Hospitals
- Within weeks
- Lung function and circulation improve
- After 10 years
- Lung cancer death risk is about half that of someone who continues smoking
- Screening
- Former smokers can discuss low-dose CT screening with their doctor
What people are saying
Quitting smoking does not erase the past, but it fundamentally changes what happens next.
After 10 years, the risk of dying of lung cancer is about half that of someone who continues smoking.
The health benefits begin almost immediately.
A lower risk does not mean the risk disappears altogether.