I started smoking when I was about 17 and quit at age 23. During that time I sometimes smoked up to a pack or more per day. In August I will have been quit for 3 years and have also been doing aerobic exercise for these 3 years.

My question has to do with when you know that you are probably not at high risk for getting lung cancer. I know that is is not that uncommon that doctors see cancer start in people that have been quit for years and years.

Edited to add, also, are there things that people who have a history of smoking should do to help their health (besides quitting I mean). What I mean is would it be suitabe to get an MRI of my lung as a preventative measure or is that sort of thing over-reacting.

[This message has been edited by James36832 (edited 04-03-2003).]

James, do you have lung cancer/emphesema history in your family or any other lung disease yourself, such as asthma?

I quit a year ago after 30 years of smoking. My docs say get an xray once per year. For you, I think that's probably right depending upon your family history. I wouldn't think an MRI would suitable, but hey, ask your doctor if you're worried.

Mary

SO YOU SMOKED FOR 6 YRS AND i SMOKED FOR 8..I AM CONSTANTLY WORRYING ABOUT THAT TOO.I STARTED AT 16 AND QUIT AT 25 ..I HAVE ALREADY HAD A CHEST CATSCAN BECAUSE I NOTICED BLOOD FLECKS IN MUCUS FROM MY THROAT.(POST NASAL DRIP).EVERYTHING WAS NORMAL BUT I STILL WORRY SO I AM HAVING ANOTHER CHEST XRAY..I LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR OF GETTING LUNG CANCER,..THE PULMONARY DOCTOR I SAW SAID AFTER 5 YRS HE BELIEVES YOUR RISK GOES DOWN BUT SOME DOCTORS SAY 10-15 YRS..IT'S BEEN 3 YRS FOR ME AND I KNOW I WILL NEVER TOUCH ANOTHER CIGARETTE AGAIN..IT IS SO NOT WORTH IT!

hi, i am a 25 yo who has been smoking since i was about 17 yo. i have recently had problems with my throat and lots of coughing and pain when i swallow. it's been a little over a week now and i feel better but should i still worry? did you guys have any throat problems? i stopped smoking about 2 weeks ago and i really want one but your right, it's not worth it. i have a beautiful 8 mo nephew and i don't want to take any chances of missing out on seeing him grow up. well, thanks for reading this.