LAUSR

Key Points Question What is the association of reducing from daily to nondaily cigarette smoking with mortality risks? Findings In a prospective cohort study of 505 500 nationally representative US adults, daily smokers had 2.32 times higher mortality risk, and lifelong nondaily smokers had 1.82 times higher mortality risk, than never smokers; significant associations were observed for 6 to 10 cigarettes per month and increased with higher-intensity use. Risks decreased when smokers reduced from daily to nondaily smoking, yet the benefits of cessation were far larger. Meaning Nondaily smokers have substantially higher mortality risks than never smokers, even if they smoke just a few cigarettes per month.