A dangerous addiction, smoking causes about one in five deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. The nicotine in the cigarettes damages the lungs, which causes smokers to have shortness of breath or frequent coughs. The Cleveland Clinic notes that after quitting smoking, people start seeing benefits within 20 minutes.
Reduced Risk of Smoking-Related Diseases
Smoking can cause lung cancer, and increases a person's risk of developing cancers of the stomach, mouth, throat, esophagus, kidney, bladder, pancreas, cervix and voice box, according to the American Cancer Society. Other diseases linked to smoking include chronic bronchitis, peripheral vascular disease, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and stroke. Once a person stops smoking, her risk for having these diseases decreases. For example, the Cleveland Clinic states that after 10 years of not smoking, a person's risk of lung cancer equals that of a non-smoker.
Increased Life Expectancy
As the risk of smoking-related diseases decreases after quitting, a person's life expectancy also increases. The sooner a person quits smoking, the longer his life expectancy. For example, men who quit smoking by age 35 increase their life expectancy by 6.9 to 8.5 years; in comparison, men who quit smoking by age 65 increase their life expectancy by 1.4 to two years, according to the American Journal of Public Health article "Benefits of smoking cessation for longevity."
Improved Physical Appearance
Quitting smoking can also improve a person's physical appearance. For example, the Cleveland Clinic notes that smoking causes dull skin, face wrinkles and stained teeth. A smoker can prevent these physical problems by quitting smoking early. By not smoking, former users no longer have the smell of cigarette smoke in their hair or on their clothes. Yellowing of the fingers or nails also go away after smoking cessation, according to the American Cancer Society.
Other Benefits
People who quit smoking save money from not purchasing cigarettes. The American Cancer Society adds that people also save money on insurance, as health care costs are higher for people who smoke. By not smoking, former users no longer put their family members at risk for health problems related to secondhand smoke.
