Butt out for a healthier you

If you’re a smoker, it’s time to consider stubbing out your habit to improve your health and happiness in 2017.

The good news is, you’ll start to notice the health benefits almost immediately.

Not only will you reduce your risk of chronic disease and cancer, but your skin will look more vibrant, you’ll feel more energised, and your bank balance will thank you for it.

Here’s how quitting smoking can help you feel healthier:

After 20 minutes – your heart rate and blood pressure will drop back to a normal level. A low resting heart rate reduces your risk of heart disease.

After 72 hours – your sense of taste and smell will start to improve, enabling you to better enjoy experiences like dinner with friends, or a walk in the park.

After two weeks – your lung function and circulation will improve noticeably. This can be aided with regular exercise.

After one month – your coughing and shortness of breath will start to decrease, leaving you more energised and alert.

After one year – your risk of heart disease will be halved compared with those who continue to smoke. Heart disease affects two out of three Australian families, so it’s vital to help reduce your own risk.

After five years – your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat and oesophagus will have decreased. At least one third of all cancers are preventable through healthy lifestyle choices – and quitting smoking is a big contributor.

After 10 years – your risk of lung cancer will be about half that of someone who smokes and your risk will continue to decline.

After 15 years – your risk of death will be the same as someone who has never smoked, leaving you with more time to spend with loved ones.

By quitting smoking you’ll also help improve the health of family and friends around you – limiting their exposure to second-hand smoke.

Around 3700 Queenslanders die from a tobacco-related disease each year. One in eight Queensland adults smoke daily.

We understand quitting smoking can be difficult, which is why it’s important to seek guidance and support when you decide to quit.

Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing.

To obtain free information, practical assistance and support from Quitline, phone 13 QUIT (13 7848).

More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council’s 13 11 20.

Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift


For more information or interviews, please contact:
Laura McKoy,
Media Manager,
Cancer Council Queensland
Phone: (07) 3634 5345
Mobile: 0428 580 363