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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Ian Sample Science editor

Quitting smoking reduces cancer risk at any age, says study

Cigarette butts stubbed out in an ashtray
Smoking causes at least 15 different cancers, affecting the lungs, bladder, stomach and bowels and organs. Photograph: Jenny Kane/AP

Stopping smoking at any age helps to reduce the risk of cancer, according to a major study, which found the most substantial drop in cancer risk came after the first decade of stubbing out.

The chances of developing cancer halved in people who quit for at least 15 years, compared with those who continued to smoke, with the risk from lung cancer falling further and faster, particularly in those who quit before middle age.

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