The most recent estimates of deaths caused by tobacco were published by Ridolfo and Stevenson (2001). According to the study;
- 15% of all deaths (approximately 19,000 deaths) were due to tobacco smoking in 1998.
- Of these, approximately 13,000 were male deaths and 6,000 were female deaths.
- Most of these deaths (around 14,800) occurred at older ages, but a substantial number (around 4,200) occurred at ages under 65 years.
- Cancer was responsible for 40% of these tobacco-related deaths, the majority of which were lung cancer.
- Ischaemic heart disease (also known as coronary heart disease), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other causes (including stroke) were responsible for the remaining 60% of tobacco-related deaths.