Smoking remains a leading cause of cancer worldwide, but the benefits of quitting are often underestimated. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open provides compelling evidence of the profound impact of sustained smoking cessation on reducing cancer risk.
Led by Dr. Eunjung Park and colleagues, the study involved nearly 3 million participants aged 30 and older. Over an average follow-up period of 13.4 years, researchers analyzed the time course of cancer risk in relation to smoking cessation.
Complete quitters exhibited significantly lower cancer risk compared to continuous smokers across various cancer sites. Hazard ratios revealed a notable reduction in risk for all cancer sites, with substantial decreases observed for lung, liver, stomach, and colorectal cancers.
While there was a slight elevation in cancer risk within the first decade following quitting, compared to continued smoking, this risk steadily declined over time. After 15 years or more of cessation, the risk of cancer reached just 50 percent of that associated with continued smoking.
Lung cancer showed an earlier decline in risk compared to other cancer types, with a larger relative reduction observed. Quitting before the age of 50 was associated with a greater reduction in lung cancer risk compared to quitting later in life.
The study underscores the critical importance of promoting smoking cessation, providing robust support and resources for sustained quitting, and advocating for cessation at an early age. These findings carry significant implications for cancer prevention efforts on a population level.
Quitting smoking is not only beneficial for individual health but also has profound implications for population-level cancer prevention. As we strive towards a smoke-free future, let us draw inspiration from these findings and redouble our efforts to support smoking cessation initiatives worldwide.
Publish Time: 11:40
Publish Date: 2024-02-09
