People unaware 1 in 2 long-term smokers will die from their addiction

We asked people on the streets in Greater Manchester what they thought the risk of smoking is. How many long-term smokers die of their addiction? The majority guessed 1 in 5 to 1 in 10.

The truth is that one in two will die from their smoking addiction.

A new survey has found that 92 per cent of smokers in Greater Manchester underestimate the risk of dying from smoking. There is still a lack of awareness that smoking causes many diseases, including 16 different types of cancer, stroke, heart disease, serious breathing difficulties (COPD) and dementia.

The vast majority - more than 80 per cent - wish they had never started to smoke. Smoking is a childhood addiction, with most smokers becoming addicted as teenagers.

We are launching Don't Be The 1 - a hard-hitting campaign aimed at motivating people to stop smoking and directing them to appropriate support. For more information go to http://dontbethe1.tv/