Unlike so many other conditions or diseases, you have the power to protect yourself from smoking-related illnesses or death. The benefits of not smoking start within days of quitting. Learn More
If you quit smoking right now, this tool shows how your body begins to heal immediately. (View the text-only version)
6:40 PM (in 20 minutes): Your heart rate drops.
6:20 AM (in 12 hours): The carbon monoxide (a gas that can be toxic) in your blood drops to normal.
Nov. 19, 2008- Feb. 5, 2009 (in 2 weeks to 3 months): Your heart attack risk begins to drop and your lungs are working better.
Dec. 5, 2008- Aug. 5, 2009 (in 1 to 9 months): Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease and your lungs start to function better, lowering your risk of lung infection.
Nov. 5, 2009 (in 1 year) : Your risk for heart disease is half that of a smoker's.
Nov. 5, 2013 (in 5 years) : Your risk of having a stroke is the same as someone who doesn't smoke.
Nov. 5, 2018 (in 10 years): Your risk of dying from lung cancer is half that of a smoker's. Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas also decreases.
Nov. 5, 2023 (in 15 years) : Your risk of heart disease is now the same as someone who doesn't smoke.
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