This procedure is typically performed when a person has cancer of the larynx. Similarly, more than one-half of people who have had a heart attack or surgery resulting from lung cancer continue to smoke. Despite these statistics, it is never too late to stop using tobacco. People who successfully quit smoking experience many health benefits (Figure 11.16). Although quitting tobacco is difficult, nicotine addiction can be treated. Treatment methods include nicotine replacement, medication, and self-management techniques. Benefits of Quitting Smoking Over Time 1 hour Heart rate returns to normal, blood pressure begins to drop, and circulation may improve. 1 day Risk of heart attack decreases. 12 hours Body cleanses itself of excess carbon monoxide and increases oxygen levels. 1 month Lung function improves, coughing and shortness of breath subside, and endurance increases. 2 days Nerve endings heal, and senses of smell and taste are heightened. 1 year Risk for coronary heart diseases has decreased by half and will continue to drop. 9 months Cilia recover to help push mucus out of the lungs and fight infections. 20 years Risk of developing coronary heart disease, lung disease, and cancer drop to the level of a person who has never smoked. 10 years Risk of lung, mouth, throat, and pancreatic cancers have all decreased significantly. Arteries and blood vessels widen again, reducing risk of stroke. Voronina Svetlana/Shutterstock.com Figure 11.16 Some benefits develop after just a few hours or days of quitting smoking. Other benefits accumulate within a year or more after quitting. These benefits increase the longer a person goes without using tobacco. Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 386 Unit 4 Avoiding Hazardous Substances