Smoking linked to earlier male deaths

Smoking is the main reason why on average men die sooner than women across Europe, according to research.

World Health Organisation figures on death rates reveal tobacco-related illness accounts for up to 60% of the gender health gap in most countries.

In the UK, women live an average of four years longer than men, although in recent years the gap has been closing.

Second to smoking, alcohol accounts for about 20% of the disparity, the journal Tobacco Control reports.