The Cross-Cohort Collaboration (CCC) study analyzed the relationship between smoking status, intensity, and duration of cessation with the incidence of nine cardiovascular and mortality outcomes in 323,826 adults during a mean follow-up of 14 to 20 years. Compared to non-smokers, current smokers had a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease (HR 1.74 in men, HR 2.07 in women) and mortality from all causes (HR 2.17 in men, HR 2.43 in women), while even low smoking intensity (2–5 cigarettes per day) was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. The risk increased with the number of cigarettes per day, for example at 11–15 CPD the risk of cardiovascular disease was HR 1.87 and mortality HR 2.30. The greatest increase in risk occurred during the first 20 years of smoking and at intensity up to 20 CPD. After quitting smoking, there is a significant reduction in risk already in the first 10 years, with ex-smokers having a more than 80% lower risk than current smokers within 20 years of quitting. The study emphasizes that early smoking cessation, not just smoking reduction, is important for public health. Limitations include possible misclassification of smoking exposure and lack of data on other tobacco products and e-cigarettes[1].