Tobacco exposure is a major preventable cause of cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and premature death. There is no safe level of tobacco exposure, and second-hand smoke also causes harm.
Stopping is worthwhile at any age
Health benefits begin after cessation and continue to accumulate over time. People often need more than willpower: behavioural support, nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medicines can substantially improve the chance of success for appropriate patients.
What about vaping?
Electronic nicotine products are not harmless. They can maintain nicotine dependence and expose users to aerosols containing potentially harmful substances. For a smoker who switches completely away from combustible tobacco, risk may differ from continued smoking, but the healthiest endpoint remains freedom from tobacco and nicotine where achievable.
Plan for relapse rather than fearing it
A lapse does not mean the quit attempt has failed. Review what triggered it, reset the plan and continue. Many successful ex-smokers made several attempts before stopping permanently.
Ask for support if you want to stop smoking or vaping, especially if previous attempts have failed, withdrawal is difficult, or you have cardiovascular or respiratory disease.
This article is general health information and does not replace an individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment plan.