One hundred million years of life will be lost in the UK unless smokers give up their habit, experts are warning. On the 50th anniversary of its first report on smoking and health, the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) says more than a fifth of the population still smokes. With smokers losing an average of 10 years of life each, a hundred million years of life will be lost, it says. The body believes the cost of tobacco should be raised, claiming that cigarettes are 50 per cent more affordable now than they were in 1965, despite being heavily taxed. But calls for more legislation have been criticised by a smokers' group, who say smokers are 'treated like lepers and vilified' for their habit. Audrey Hepburn (right) lights up in Breakfast at Tiffany's, watched by George Peppard (left) and Martin Balsam (centre). The Royal College of Physicians wants 'unnecessary' brand images for tobacco removed from films and TV programmes Half of people who smoke are known to die from their habit. The RCP published its first report on the issue in 1962 and has updated its findings for a one-day conference today. More than six million people have died as a result of smoking since 1962 but at least 360,000 deaths have also been prevented owing to there being fewer smokers overall. The RCP will today discuss ways to cut the number of smokers further, such as making cigarettes more expensive. Real prices are undercut by discounting, small pack sizes and illegal supplies, it says. The RCP wants 'unnecessary' brand images for tobacco removed from films and TV programmes watched by children and young people, and supports a move towards plain packaging for tobacco.
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