A recent extensive study emphasizes the remarkable impact of quitting smoking at any age in reducing the risk of cancer. The most significant drop in cancer risk was observed after the first decade of giving up cigarettes. The chances of developing cancer were found to halve in individuals who quit for at least 15 years compared to those who continued smoking.
The study, led by Dr Jin-Kyoung Oh at the National Cancer Center near Seoul, examined health data from almost 3 million Koreans over a span of 17 years, from 2002 to 2019. The analysis included various cancer types, such as lung, liver, stomach, and colorectal tumours. The research revealed a 42% reduction in lung cancer risk for quitters, with smaller declines of 27%, 20%, and 14% for liver, colorectal, and stomach cancers, respectively.
Dr Oh emphasized, “Quitting smoking, no matter your age, can have significant health benefits. Individuals who quit smoking after middle age had a 40% lower risk of developing lung cancer compared to those who continued smoking. Don’t think it’s too late. We encourage you to consider starting your journey to quit smoking.”
The study reinforced the importance of quitting at a younger age, showing a 57% reduction in lung cancer risk for those who quit before 50. Even those who quit at 50 or older experienced a 40% lower risk of lung cancer over time. Lung cancer risk, in particular, decreased significantly and rapidly, especially in those who quit before middle age.
Professor Robert West from University College London highlighted the study’s key findings, emphasizing that it can take years for the risk of cancer to decrease after quitting. He emphasized the value of quitting at a younger age, stating, “The way out of smoking is clear: try to stop at least once a year and make use of evidence-based specialist stop-smoking support at every quit attempt rather than trying to go cold turkey.”
Cancer Research UK’s Malcolm Clark echoed the significance of smoking cessation, stating, “It’s never too late to stop smoking, but people need support to help them quit.” Clark supported increased funding for stop-smoking services and upcoming legislation to change the age of tobacco sales, aiming to prevent the next generation from getting addicted to tobacco.
