A few statistics on smoking
The benefits of quitting
Motives for quitting
A few statistics on smoking
- According to the World Health Organization, 4.9 million people die worldwide as a result of smoking each year.
- In Quebec, 21,000 people die annually due to tobacco use.
- Smoking increases the risk of various types of cancer, including:
- Bladder cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Laryngeal cancer
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- Oral cancer
- Cancer of the pharynx
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Blood cancer (leukemia)
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- Smoking increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as:
- Atherosclerosis
- Aortic aneurysms
- Coronary heart disease
- Strokes
- 75% of cases of emphysema and chronic bronchitis are related to the use of tobacco.
- 85% of cases of lung cancer are caused by smoking.
- Women who smoke during and after pregnancy increase by 3 to 4 times the likelihood that their baby will die from sudden infant death syndrome.
The benefits of quitting
Quitting smoking results in immediate health benefits and many more in subsequent weeks, months and years!
| After only 20 minutes |
Your blood pressure drops and returns to normal. Your heart rate slows down and returns to a normal level. |
After 8 hours |
The oxygen level in your blood returns to normal. |
After 1 day |
Carbon monoxide is eliminated from your body. |
After 2 days |
Nicotine is purged from your system. Your nerve endings begin to regenerate. Your sense of smell and taste improve. |
After 3 days |
Your bronchial tubes relax, making breathing easier. Your lung capacity increases. Your energy level improves. |
After 2 weeks (up to 3 months) |
Blood circulation improves. Your lung functioning improves. |
After 1 year |
The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases decreases (by half). |
After 5 years |
The risk of developing oral cancer, throat cancer and esophageal cancer is cut in half. |
After 10 years |
The risk of dying from lung cancer is equal to a non-smoker. |
After 15 years |
The risk of coronary heart disease is equal to a non-smoker. |
Motives for quitting
By identifying what deeply motivates you to quit smoking, you can increase your chances of achieving your goal. Certain motives are related to health or physical appearance, while others are associated with financial, family or social considerations.
When it comes to quitting, you’ll be happy to know that there are no right or wrong reasons. The best motive is the one that will strengthen your determination and help you to succeed. Don’t forget that tobacco is one of the most difficult addictions to break.