What are an ex-smoker's chances of getting lung cancer?

Answer by  river (1226)

It depends on how long it's been since you stopped, it's estimated it takes 10 to 15 years for toxins from smoking to clear the lungs. Looks good for you.

Answer by  HilaryC (1382)

I've read in scientific articles that every year you don't smoke, the chances of lung cancer decreases by a huge amount, like 50%. You still have a chance of getting lung cancer - even people exposed to second hand smoke can get lung cancer - but the chances are MUCH lower than they were 15 years ago.

Answer by  Lucy101 (225)

For the 20 years that you've smoked, whatever damaged it caused your lungs is irreversible. However, the risk of lung cancer decreases by one-third after 10 years of not smoking.

Answer by  Archer (23)

The sad truth is, your chance to develope (lung) cancer is still 30-40% higher than for the average person that has never smoked before.