Deciding to quit
A few statistics on smoking
The benefits of quitting
Sources of motivation
A few statistics on smoking
- According to the World Health Organization, 4.9 million people die worldwide as a result of smoking each year.
- In Quebec, 21 000 people die of tobacco-related diseases annually.
- Tobacco use increases the risk of various types of cancers, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
- Oral cancer
- Cancer of the pharynx
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Blood cancer (leukemia).
- The use of tobacco increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as:
- Aortic aneurysms
- Atherosclerosis
- Strokes
- Coronary heart disease.
- 75% of cases of chronic bronchitis and emphysema are related to tobacco use.
- 85% of cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking.
- Babies whose mothers smoke before and after birth are three to four times more likely to die from sudden infant death syndrome.
The benefits of quitting
Some benefits of quitting can be felt immediately, while others are experienced over time.
After only 20 minutes |
Your blood pressure drops and returns to normal. Your heart rate slows down and returns to a normal level. |
After 8 hours |
The oxygen level in your blood returns to normal. |
After 1 day |
Carbon monoxide is eliminated from your body. |
After 2 days |
Nicotine is purged from your system. Your nerve endings begin to regenerate. Your sense of smell and taste improve. |
After 3 days |
Your bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier. Your lung capacity increases. Your energy level improves. |
After 2 weeks (up to 3 months) |
Blood circulation improves. Your lung functioning improves. |
After 1 year |
The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases is cut by half. |
After 5 years |
The risk of developing oral cancer, throat cancer and esophageal cancer is cut by half. |
After 10 years |
The risk of dying from lung cancer is equal to a non-smoker. |
After 15 years |
The risk of coronary heart disease is equal to a non-smoker. |
Sources of motivation
By identifying what deeply motivates you to quit smoking, you can increase your chances of achieving your goal. Some of the reasons for quitting are related to health or physical appearance, while others have to do with family, financial or social considerations.
You’ll be happy to know that there are no right or wrong reasons to quit, because the best motivating factor is the one that will strengthen your efforts and resolve. You should also know that tobacco is one of the most difficult addictions to break.
