It's Never Too Late to Quit Smoking

See how your health improves in minutes, months and years. Dean Wagner illustrates the benefits.

It was the scariest moment in Dean Wagner’s life—when his doctor told him he had bladder cancer and needed surgery. “I was only 18 but had been smoking for six years,” he says. Even though smoking is a risk factor for bladder cancer, Wagner’s diagnosis didn’t make him quit.

His family history didn’t concern him either. “My grandparents had heart attacks, and my father died of heart disease at age 40,” says the 38-year-old man. It wasn’t until Lehigh Valley Health Network announced it would become smoke-free on Jan. 1, 2007, that he decided to quit. He signed up for our Tobacco Treatment Program (covered under Choice Plus) and has been smoke-free for three months.

He smoked for 26 years, but Wagner’s health already is improving. He has more energy and better senses of taste and smell. “It only takes minutes for your body to begin repairing the damage caused by smoking,” says Tobacco Treatment Program coordinator Becky Johnston.

To sign up for our Tobacco Treatment Program, call 610-402-CARE.

Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancers.
48 hours: Your senses of smell and taste improve.
1-9 months: You'll have less sinus congestion.
10 years: Your risk for oral cancers is significantly reduced.

Smoking increases heart rate and blood pressure, and increases the risk for a heart attack.
20 minutes: Your blood pressure and pulse return to normal.
24 hours: Your heart attack risk begins to drop.
1 year: Your heart disease risk is cut in half.
15 years: Your heart disease risk is similar to someone who never smoked.

Smoking causes emphysema, bronchitis, asthma and 90 percent of all lung cancer cases.
8 hours: The oxygen level in your blood increases to normal.
1-9 months: You'll cough less, breathe better and have more energy.
10 years: Your lung cancer risk is reduced by half.

Smoking increases your risk for stomach, liver, bladder, pancreatic and all cancers.
15 years: Your body is about as healthy as that of someone who never smoked.

Smoking blocks or constricts arteries increasing your risk for stroke.
20 minutes: Your cold hands and feet warm up.
2 weeks - 3 months: Your circulation improves, reducing pain felt while walking.
5-15 years: Your stroke risk equals that of a nonsmoker.

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