Despite the Surgeon General's warning, 48 million Americans still smoke. If you've made a resolution to finally kick the habit, congratulations! Quitting smoking is not an easy task, but the benefits of quitting now are worth the effort. Read up on some shocking statistics, then learn about methods and get tips to help you quit smoking for good.

Facts:

• Smoking during remission increases the chances of cancer returning.
  
  
• Smoking increases the risk of all cancers.
  
  
• 50% of lifelong pack-a-day smokers will die from smoking.
  
  
• Quitting smoking before the age of 35 reduces the health risks by 90%.
  
  
• A pack-a-day smoker absorbs nearly half a pound of nicotine annually -- enough to kill 4,000 cats.
  
  
• On average, a person will try and fail seven times before they succeed in quitting smoking.
  
  
• Irritability reaches its height between 24-48 hours after your last cigarette.
  
  
• A nicotine fit only lasts between three to five minutes.
  
  
• The smoke off the tip of a burning cigarette is 20 times more toxic than filtered smoke.
  
  
• A person with lung cancer usually has about five years to live.
  
  
• Smoking decreases blood flow, depriving the skin of oxygen and nutrients. A 40-year-old heavy smoker has the same wrinkles as a 60-year-old non-smoker.
  
  
• 11% of tobacco-related deaths are caused by second-hand smoke.