New study shows benefits of cutting back on smoking

A new study has revealed that cutting back on smoking can help people to improve their health prospects in the long term, even if they do not give up the habit entirely.

Research from Tel Aviv University has assessed patient data spanning 40 years and found that people reducing their smoking intensity experienced a 15 percent reduction in the risk of dying early compared to those who did not.

This is less than the 22 percent fall seen among those who successfully kicked the habit, but it nevertheless indicates that smoking less is a valid risk reduction strategy.

Formerly heavy smokers stand to gain most from cutting down on cigarettes, both in terms of reduced mortality rates and a lessened risk of cardiovascular disease.

Vicki Myers, a researcher at Tel Aviv University's Sackler Faculty of Medicine, said this shows it is never too late to tackle a smoking habit, adding that smokers should seek to take any steps possible to improve their health.

This comes after the NHS reported success from its Stoptober campaign, which encouraged thousands of people to give up smoking throughout October 2012 in order to increase their chances of adopting a smoke-free lifestyle.