0
0
New research underscores the profound benefits of early smoking cessation
A groundbreaking report published in the esteemed journal NEJM Evidence reveals a striking correlation between quitting smoking before the age of 40 and achieving nearly equivalent life expectancy to those who never smoked. Led by Prabhat Jha, a professor at the University of Toronto’s Dalla Lana School of Public Health, the study offers compelling evidence of the rapid and substantial health gains associated with smoking cessation.
Drawing from a vast cohort of 1.5 million adults across four countries— the US, the UK, Canada, and Norway—the study tracked participants over 15 years, shedding light on the profound impact of smoking on life expectancy. Smokers aged 40 to 79 faced a nearly three-fold increased risk of mortality compared to non-smokers, resulting in an average loss of 12 to 13 years of life.
However, the study yielded encouraging findings for former smokers, demonstrating a significant reduction in mortality risk to just 1.3-fold higher than that of non-smokers. Moreover, individuals who quit smoking for less than three years experienced a remarkable gain of up to six years in life expectancy, underscoring the rapidity of health improvements post-cessation.
“Quitting smoking is ridiculously effective in reducing the risk of death, and people can reap those rewards remarkably quickly,” remarked Prof. Jha, emphasizing the transformative impact of smoking cessation on overall health and longevity. Contrary to prevailing beliefs that quitting smoking later in life may yield limited benefits, the study dispels this notion, highlighting the tangible health gains achievable at any age.
The benefits of smoking cessation extend beyond mere lifespan extension, with former smokers significantly reducing their risk of mortality from vascular disease, cancer, and respiratory ailments. While the study acknowledges residual lung damage among former smokers, particularly in relation to respiratory disease, the overall risk reduction underscores the profound impact of quitting smoking on overall health outcomes.
In light of these compelling findings, Prof. Jha advocates for widespread smoking cessation efforts and emphasizes the message that it is never too late to quit. With the potential for rapid risk reduction across major diseases, smoking cessation promises a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life for individuals willing to embark on the journey to quit smoking.
