Myth or Fact: Can Quitting After Years of Smoking Still Lower Lung Cancer Risk? Ft. Dr Peush Bajpai

In this video, Dr Peush Bajpai, HOD & Consultant Medical-Hemato Oncologist at Manipal Hospital, Delhi, debunks the misconception that quitting smoking won't bring immediate benefits.

He explains how, from the very next day of quitting, smokers can begin to see positive changes. The heart rate normalizes, and anxiety levels start decreasing, though some may experience panic attacks due to cravings.

Dr Bajpai emphasizes that within hours, the carbon monoxide levels in the body start to decrease, and by the next day, they are nearly eliminated. Over time, the body’s resilience improves.

Within months, the risk of respiratory issues like infections, asthma attacks, and COPD reduces significantly. As years pass, the chances of cardiovascular problems, including heart attacks, also decrease.

By the 10th year of quitting, the risk of lung cancer is halved, and the risk of developing 12 other major cancers—including breast, bladder, and esophageal cancer—also drops by 50%.

While the benefits of quitting smoking take years to fully manifest, Dr Bajpai stresses that the positive changes begin almost immediately.

Quitting smoking is a powerful step towards improving one’s health, and the earlier it happens, the greater the long-term benefits.

Watch this video to understand why quitting smoking is never too late and how it can dramatically improve your health, from reducing cancer risks to enhancing respiratory and heart health.