A survey has revealed that over half of smokers in the UK underestimate the risks associated with smoking conventional cigarettes. The survey, published by NHS Smokefree, found that 53% of smokers underestimated the number of smoking related deaths in the UK by at least 70,000. The actual number of smoking related deaths is over 80,000.

The survey further revealed that 8% of smokers did not know that smoking could lead to premature death or serious health problems, and 58% also underestimated the number of long-term smokers who suffer premature death as a result of their smoking habits.

Although the negative effects of smoking are known by the vast majority of smokers, this recent survey reveals that smokers are perhaps unaware of the extent and scale of the risk of health implications.

The smokers surveyed also put the cost of smoking 20 cigarettes a day at £1800 per year, whereas the actual figure is closer to £2050.

Public Health Minister Anne Milton said: "Quitting smoking is the very best thing you can do to improve your health this New Year”.

One way that smokers who cannot quit could improve their smoking habit is to make the switch to electronic cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes do not contain tobacco or tar so provide a healthier alternative to smoking conventional cigarettes. E cigarettes are also up to 70% cheaper than cigarettes and because they release water vapour and not harmful chemicals as in cigarette smoke, they are much more widely accepted in public places.