Why does quitting smoking reduce cancer risk?

Question

Doctors say that once you're exposed to a carcinogen, you are considered to be "at risk" for the rest of your life due to the exposure (even if you are only exposed once). So, why would quitting REDUCE one's risk, shouldn't it only prevent the risk from growing larger?

p.s. if a person is exposed to a chemical carcinogen (like getting double the recommended dose in one day) will they be at risk forever and is the risk usually greatly increased from one exposure, or do most carcinogens require long term exposure at larger doses?

Answer 1

Because, by quiting smoking you would lessen the damage to your organs. It makes sense.

The longer you smoke, the more likely you'll die of emphysema, lung cancer, and etc. Doctors don't make that kind of stuff up.

Answer 2

Your risk would be reduced because your body would become healthier and more able to resist disease. I learned this after 45 years of smoking.

My brother was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam in 1968 and did not develop lymphatic cancer until the late 1990s, so I would say the risk is there from any exposure and does not need "long term exposure at larger doses".

Answer 3

You are at risk because the smoke does damage to your lungs, weakening them and increasing your chances of lung cancer. Quitting would reduce one's risk becuase it gives the lungs time to heal from the over inhaled smoke and they are no longer exposed to carcinogen. Good luck.

Gaby =D

Answer 4

There are many many different kinds of cancer and they act in different ways and come from different sources. Your lung function can actually improve significantly. There might be a little permanent damage but our bodies do heal themselves to a certain extent. Its only when we get beyond a certain threshold is it irreversible

Answer 5

My Dad, my uncle, and my best friend all died of lung cancer by age 51. Any more questions on lung cancer?

Answer 6

Kind of like how standing out in the rain for five minutes will get you damp, and standing out in the rain for three hours will get you drenched, yeah.

Answer 7

Quitting reduces your risk.

Answer 8

I would think that greater quantity = greater risk.