Even if a woman is a heavy smoker, after quitting, her risk of heart attack drops to near normal within two years. The risk of developing lung, kidney, and laryngeal cancer drops gradually, nearly equaling that of nonsmokers. Women who quit state that substituting another behavior for the smoking habit is one of the keys to smoking cessation, and once they quit, they have never felt better. Studies indicate that the ability to stop smoking successfully depends largely on a strong commitment to stop, the belief that we CAN stop, and support from others. There are many programs available in our community for smoking cessation, and many of these offer special support groups for women.
Medications are also now available to help decrease the craving for nicotine.
Peer pressure and support to quit are strong factors, whether a woman stops all at once or gradually cuts down. It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it is one of the biggest favors women can ever do for themselves, their health, and their ability to live longer, more productive lives.