‘Smoking cigarette shortens life expectancy by 20 minutes’

A new study has revealed that smoking a single cigarette could shorten life expectancy by 20 minutes, an increase from the previously estimated 11 minutes.

The study conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), commissioned by the UK Department for Health, also highlighted the severe toll smoking takes on lifespan and the urgency of quitting to reclaim lost years.

The findings to be published in the Journal of Addiction highlighted the cumulative damage caused by smoking and emphasised the immediate and long-term benefits of quitting.

The study’s authors stated that smokers who quit early stand to gain not just years of life but also healthier middle years, as smoking primarily accelerates ageing during relatively healthy periods of life.

The study analysed long-term data tracking population health and found that the impact of smoking is cumulative. Each cigarette shortens life expectancy incrementally, with the average male smoker losing 17 minutes of life per cigarette and the average female smoker losing 22 minutes.

A principal research fellow at UCL’s Alcohol and Tobacco Research Group, Dr Sarah Jackson explained that many smokers underestimate how much life they lose with each cigarette. “The effects are gradual but significant, with small quantities of smoking over time leading to large losses in life expectancy,” she cautioned.

The study provided a stark illustration of the benefits of quitting smoking; a smoker who consumes 10 cigarettes daily could regain one full day of life within a week of quitting.

For example, a 10-a-day smoker who quits on January 1 could regain one day of life by January 8. By February 20, their life expectancy could increase by a week, and by August 5, they could gain an extra month of life compared to continuing smokers.

The study also emphasised that the harm caused by smoking primarily eats into the relatively healthy middle years rather than the final years often marked by chronic illness. For instance, a 60-year-old smoker could have the health profile of a 70-year-old non-smoker.

The study also provided a sobering overview of the broader global impact of smoking, as well as the health benefits of quitting, which begins almost immediately. The researchers noted that within days or weeks, cardiovascular health improves, lung function starts to recover, and risks for heart disease and stroke begin to decrease.

Smoking cessation halves the risk of heart disease by the end of a year, and after five years, the risk of stroke matches that of a non-smoker. Over time, the risks for lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions diminish significantly.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases and deaths worldwide, claiming over eight million lives yearly. The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) reported that in Nigeria alone, five million young people aged 15 to 25 are already addicted to tobacco, out of over 20 million chain smokers in the country.

World Health Organisation (WHO) highlighted that most tobacco use begins in adolescence, leading to lifelong dependence and contributing to a projected increase in tobacco-related deaths to 10 million yearly by 2030, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Jackson stressed that quitting smoking at any age is beneficial.

“Stopping smoking not only increases life expectancy but also improves the quality of life. The sooner a person quits, the more years of healthy living they can enjoy,” she said.

The study concludes with a powerful message: “Smoking steals precious years that could have been spent in relatively good health, experiencing life’s milestones and moments with loved ones. However, quitting offers a chance to reverse some of the damage and enjoy a healthier, longer life.”