quit smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the healthiest things someone can do for themselves, especially because seven out of the ten most common causes of death are caused by smoking-related illnesses. At BMC, we know how hard it can be to stop smoking, and we are here to help. 

Hasmeena Kathuria, MD, answers questions about BMC’s smoking cessation program:

What is available for people who would like to quit smoking?

Located in the Pulmonary Clinic on Shapiro 9, BMC offers a 90-minute group session that is covered by most insurance plans. In the session, a team of tobacco-trained specialists will work with each patient to develop a personalized quit plan that includes medications to help you quit smoking and tools to help cope with urges.  

What are the health benefits of quitting smoking?

Short-term and long-term benefits of quitting smoking:

  • Immediately after quitting: Better breath, no more smoke odor in hair and on clothes, teeth and fingernail stains fade, improvements in taste and smell senses
  • 12 hours after quitting: Carbon monoxide levels in the blood go back to normal
  • 2 weeks – 3 months after quitting: Circulation improves and lung function improves
  • 1-9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease
  • 1 year after quitting: Risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half after one year, compared to continuing smokers
  • 5 years after quitting: Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk falls to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years
  • 10 years after quitting:  Risk of lung cancer is cut in half, and continues to decline
  • 15 years after quitting:  The risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker’s

What if I’m not ready to quit?

Tobacco products are designed to be addicting. For people who have tried to quit before and have not had success, the thought of trying to quit again can be particularly daunting. They should consider attending the program where they can learn tips from professionals trained in helping people quit smoking.

How can I get more information?

To make an appointment with the Tobacco Treatment Center call 617.638.7665 or visit BMC.org/quit-smoking where more information about smoking cessation options at BMC are available. There’s also a list of other helpful resources recommended by BMC.

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