New research shows heavy smokers could reduce their risk of developing lung cancer by cutting their cigarette intake.
A study published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association followed more than 19,000 people over a 24 year period. Those who smoked more than 15 cigarettes a day and reduced their intake by half cut their cancer risk, but those who quit completely saw the most benefits to their long term health.
"Each step you take towards quitting and getting to that point is helpful, but really, the only impact you're going to have that's going to be helpful to your body is to quit," says Patricia Cartmill, a regional survivorship coordinator based in Eau Claire. "The sooner you do, the better off you are."
The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly three thousand people in Wisconsin will die from lung cancer this year.
For more information on smoking cessation programs, visit the sites listed below:
www.cancer.org
1(800) ACS-2345
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http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/tobacco
1-877-270-STOP (7867)
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Luther Midelfort Tobacco Free Classes
(715) 838-6593
