The proposals, put forward in a document by the Independent Cancer Taskforce, are part of the latest attempt to drastically cut down cancer deaths.Currently, a packet of 20 cigarettes costs about £9.60, and tobacco is seen as being the main cause of cancer, followed by obesity.
The report suggests the 50 per cent price hike could be put into place by 2020.
The taskforce's chairman, Harpal Kumar, said the proposals needed to be put into place as soon as possible.
He said: "We're better informed than ever about how best to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease, and how to deliver better patient experience and quality of life. What's needed now is action.
"We are a long way from where we should be. Our expectation is that the Government and NHS will now make the investments required and implement this strategy with commitment and speed."
And NHS England's chief executive Simon Stevens backed the report, saying: "The NHS will be backing this ground-breaking route map for prevention, earlier diagnosis, modern treatments and compassionate care."
Health secretary Jeremy Hunt hinted he would support the recommendations in order to achieve the government's ambition to make the NHS 'the best in the world at cancer care'.
He said: "I would like to thank Harpal Kumar and the Taskforce for their excellent recommendations, especially the focus on early diagnosis and how the NHS can be better at supporting people to live with and beyond cancer."
Read More: Express.co.uk
