MaineQuitLink2.0 logo

Health Benefits

Health Benefits of Quitting

Quit Today, Start Living Tomorrow

Smoking harms almost every part of your body and can lead to heart disease, stroke, lung disease, osteoporosis, cancer, and even death. Quitting all tobacco use, including smoking and vaping, is the best step for your health.

Woman hauling hay bale

The Good News

Quitting is hard, but you can do it.

You’ll feel health benefits right away.

Quitting can repair past damage and lower your risk of tobacco-related disease.

After 20 minutes of quitting smoking, your body begins to repair itself.

It’s never too late to quit and start improving your health.

Infographic titled “What Happens When You Quit?” showing a clock-style timeline of health benefits after quitting smoking. After 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure drop. After 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal. From 2 weeks to 3 months, circulation improves and lung function increases. From 1 to 9 months, lungs better handle mucus and infection risk decreases. After 1 year, excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker. After 5 years, stroke risk drops to that of a nonsmoker and risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus are cut in half. After 10 years, risk of dying from lung cancer is cut nearly in half and risks of larynx and pancreas cancers are reduced. After 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease matches that of a nonsmoker. Additional sections state that nonsmokers live an average of 10 years longer, secondhand smoke causes about 41,000 deaths per year, quitting can save approximately $12,775 annually, 88 percent of smokers wish they had never started, and 78 percent say they would like to quit.
Infographic titled “What Happens When You Quit?” showing a clock-style timeline of health benefits after quitting smoking. After 20 minutes, heart rate and blood pressure drop. After 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels in the blood return to normal. From 2 weeks to 3 months, circulation improves and lung function increases. From 1 to 9 months, lungs better handle mucus and infection risk decreases. After 1 year, excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker. After 5 years, stroke risk drops to that of a nonsmoker and risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, and esophagus are cut in half. After 10 years, risk of dying from lung cancer is cut nearly in half and risks of larynx and pancreas cancers are reduced. After 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease matches that of a nonsmoker. Additional sections state that nonsmokers live an average of 10 years longer, secondhand smoke causes about 41,000 deaths per year, quitting can save approximately $12,775 annually, 88 percent of smokers wish they had never started, and 78 percent say they would like to quit.

Take the First Step Today

Ready to quit? Support is here for you. Quitting is a powerful way to protect your health and lower your risk of serious illnesses, including COVID-19. Reach out for free, confidential support online or by phone and start your journey to a healthier, tobacco-free life.

Ready to Quit?

Quitting tobacco is one of the best decisions you can make for your health and future—and you don’t have to do it alone. With free, personalized quit plans, and medications to control cravings, you’ll have everything you need to quit successfully and start feeling the benefits right away. Don’t wait—take the first step toward a tobacco-free life today.

Talk to a Quit Coach

Get free, 1-on-1 phone coaching with a trained Quit Coach to make your own quit plan. People who join are twice as likely to quit, and using free nicotine gum, patches, or lozenges can triple your chances. 

  • 12 weeks of free gum, patches, or lozenges
  • Talk with a Quit Coach
  • Unlimited support
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW
Sign Up for a Call

Sign Up for Online Tools

Take control of your quit journey with easy-to-use online tools. Customize a quit plan, stay motivated, and track your progress using the online dashboard. Start today and build a plan made just for you.

  • Free 4-week starter kit of patch, gum, or lozenges
  • Text message support
  • Chat online with a coach
Enroll Now
Already Enrolled? Log In