Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death. About half of people who do not stop smoking will die because of smoking or related problems. Quitting smoking is important for your health. Shortly after quitting smoking, circulation begins to improve and blood pressure begins to fall back to its normal state. Your sense of smell and taste return and you begin to breathe more easily. In the long term, quitting tobacco can help you live longer. Your risk of getting cancer decreases each year without smoking. Quitting is not easy. It may have short-term effects, such as gaining weight, irritability and anxiety.