Smokers of 'light' or menthol cigarettes are 'just as likely to die from lung cancer as those who us

Smokers of 'light' or menthol cigarettes are just as likely to die from lung cancer as those who use the traditional ones, researchers claim. 

Scientists have warned there is no safe cigarette, despite people believing low-tar options may be a healthier choice.

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina analysed health records of 14,000 smokers, aged between 55 and 74.

All the volunteers had smoker for at least 30 'pack years' - the number of packs per day multiplied by years smoked. 

Academics calculated the effect of smoking habits on lung cancer incidence and mortality, as well as deaths from all causes, although it is not clear what other causes were studied.   

No difference was found in lung cancer incidence or deaths, or all-cause mortality between regular cigarette smokers and light or ultralight smokers. 

Lead author Dr Nina Thomas said: 'There's still this idea that light or ultralight might be better for you, and it's not.

'All cigarettes are bad. They all increase the risk for lung cancer and the risk of dying from lung cancer.' 

However, the results did show smokers of light cigarettes - sold by brands such as Marlboro - had a lower dependence on tobacco.

But they were less likely to kick the habit than regular cigarette smokers, according to the data from The National Lung Screening Trial in the US.