Quitting smoking reduces cancer risk at any age, says study

Research shows chances of developing cancer halve at least 15 years after stopping the habit

Stopping smoking at any age helps to reduce the risk of cancer, according to a major study, which found the most substantial drop in cancer risk came after the first decade of stubbing out.

The chances of developing cancer halved in people who quit for at least 15 years, compared with those who continued to smoke, with the risk from lung cancer falling further and faster, particularly in those who quit before middle age.