More than 20% of American adults are current smokers, and the US department of Health and Human Services have stated that just about half of all these smokers die prematurely from smoking related illnesses. This ranges from chest infections right down to fatal cancers of the respiratory tract. Almost 30% of all cancer deaths are related to smoking. Unbeknown to most, even renal cell carcinoma (bladder) is strongly linked to smoking.

Smoking causes much grief, as it takes away life with every puff. It robs an individual of years at a time, and causes a lot of suffering well before death. 8 million Americans suffer from debilitating diseases due to cigarette smoking, and by the act of quitting smoking, a large proportion of these people would be able to live longer and healthier lives.

The above table is an adaptation of a study (Doll 2004) showing the amount of years that can be saved based on the age at which a person stops smoking. It is important to note that ceasing smoking at 40 years old is estimated to extend life by 9 years. 9 years that could be used to travel the world after retiring or see how a grandchild grows up. This increase in lifespan is information that can be used as motivation to quit, and should be shared with people intending to give up smoking.