Even after a cancer diagnosis stopping smoking can make a drastic improvement to your lifestyle and health in ways you might not expect. Once you stop smoking, some of the benefits are immediate and some are longer-term.
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You are more likely have a shorter stay in hospital
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Your wound is likely to heal more quickly. It is best to stop smoking 8 weeks before having surgery. But even stopping a few weeks before and not smoking after surgery will reduce the risk of complications.
- Stopping smoking during and after radiotherapy may make the treatment more effective. It can also reduce the side effects of radiotherapy. - You are likely to have fewer side effects from cancer treatment if you do not smoke and they also tend to be less severe.
- Stopping smoking may also lower the risk of cancer coming back after treatment.
If you want to give up smoking, it is never too late to stop. Ask your GP for advice, or contact the links below:
Overview - Sunderland Specialist Stop Smoking Service - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Useful information
Visit Smokefree for more information on how to quit smoking with a free Personal Quit Plan. You're more likely to quit with the right support. Find the combination that's right for you in just 3 easy steps.
10 self-help tips to stop smoking - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Smoking & Lifestyle risk factors and reducing your risk
Quit smoking in 2023 for better health, more money and less stress - STSFT
Smokefree - STSFT
Quit smoking in 2023 for better health, more money and less stress - Fresh
