The National Health Service has issued a powerful public health message, urging smokers across the United Kingdom that it is 'never too late' to quit and dramatically improve their wellbeing. According to the NHS, ditching cigarettes can halve your risk of a heart attack in just one year and significantly reduce the danger of lung cancer over a longer period.
The Compelling Health Timeline After You Quit
The health service outlined a compelling timeline of benefits that begin almost immediately after a person stops smoking. These improvements offer strong motivation for the estimated one in eight UK adults – 11.9 per cent of the population – who currently smoke, half of whom reportedly wish to give up.
Within the first eight hours, oxygen levels start to recover and the level of harmful carbon monoxide in the blood drops by half. After 72 hours, breathing becomes easier as bronchial tubes relax and energy levels begin to rise.
Between two and twelve weeks, circulation improves substantially, allowing blood to pump more effectively to the heart and muscles. From three to nine months, lung function can increase by up to 10 per cent, reducing coughing, wheezing, and breathing problems.
The Long-Term Lifesaving Benefits
The most significant long-term milestones provide the strongest case for quitting. After one year of being smoke-free, an individual's risk of a heart attack is half that of a continuing smoker.
The positive news continues over the longer term. After a decade, the risk of dying from lung cancer also halves compared to someone who still smokes. The NHS also highlights additional perks, including boosted energy and improved lung function.
Free NHS Support to Help You Quit for Good
Recognising the challenge of quitting, the NHS provides a range of free, accessible support services. A central tool is the free NHS Quit Smoking app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play, which offers personalised plans and motivation.
Local support is also widely available through one-to-one or group stop smoking sessions. These can be accessed at various venues, including GP surgeries, pharmacies, high-street shops, and even mobile bus clinics. A referral can be made by a GP, pharmacist, or health visitor, or people can contact their local service directly.
National helplines offer immediate advice and support:
- England: Smokefree National Helpline – 0300 123 1044
- Scotland: Quit Your Way Scotland – 0800 84 84 84
- Wales: Help Me Quit – 0800 085 2219
- Northern Ireland: Contact details for local providers are on the Stop Smoking NI website.
The overarching message from the health service is clear and encouraging: quitting smoking remains the single most effective step anyone can take to improve their health, and comprehensive help is readily available for those ready to make the change.
