Despite the fact that tobacco use is the single largest preventable cause of death in the U.S., more than 34 million Americans still smoke cigarettes. Smoking causes an estimated 1 in 5 deaths every year, according to the American Cancer Society.
To help lower this number and the heightened risk for disease caused by cigarette smoking, the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout is Thursday, November 16. The event is held each year to encourage smokers to set a quit date along with a community of peers and support.
In addition to the Great American Smokeout event, November is also Lung Cancer Awareness Month, meaning there are multiple opportunities to make a change and choose to quit smoking today. If the momentum and support created through these events and efforts aren’t enough, there is plenty of data to prove the benefits of quitting smoking today.
According to the American Cancer Society:
- Within just 20 minutes after quitting, your blood pressure and heart rate drop.
- Within a few days of quitting, the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
- Within 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting, your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
- Within 10 years of quitting smoking, your risk of lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking.
- Quitting smoking can also help others, since secondhand smoke is dangerous and can harm the health of your friends and family. Learn more about reasons to quit smoking at the American Cancer Society.
For more information on the Great American Smokeout, check out the American Cancer Society’s website on the event.
About Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Georgia’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, gives you access to the latest evidence-based care and clinical trials. Our experienced team sees more than 17,000 new patients each year and delivers comprehensive care to every individual. At Winship, we provide more than state-of-the-art therapy; we also offer cancer prevention, treatment, survivorship and support programs to all who have been affected by cancer.