Line graphs show that after 60 years of age, doctors who were cigarette smokers had shorter lifespans than their nonsmoking counterparts. Among doctors born between 1851 and 1899 and compared with doctors who did not smoke, approximately 14 percent fewer doctors who were smokers lived to be 70 and 80 years of age. Among doctors born between 1900 and 1936 and compared with doctors who did not smoke, approximately 17 percent fewer doctors who were smokers lived to be 70 years of age and approximately 33 percent fewer doctors who were smokers lived to be 80 years of age.

Figure 11.5Survival after 60 years of age for smokers and never smokers

Source: Doll et al. 2004. Reprinted with permission from BMJ Publishing Group Ltd., © 2004.

Note: Survival from 60 years of age for continuing cigarette smokers and never smokers among United Kingdom male doctors born 1851–1899 (median 1889) and 1900–1930 (median 1915), with percentages alive at each decade of age (Thun et al. 1997).

From: 11, General Morbidity and All-Cause Mortality

Cover of The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress
The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress: A Report of the Surgeon General.
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (US) Office on Smoking and Health.
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