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Yes, in most cases. You can greatly cut your risk by not starting to smoke.
If you already smoke it is worth giving up, even if you have smoked for a long time. As soon as you stop, your risk of getting lung cancer no longer increases. In the years after you give up, your risk gradually lowers.
If you’d like to give up, ask your GP or health centre for advice - or contact Quit4You or the UK charity QUIT. Our useful contacts section also has details of local smoking cessation services.
Some cancers are caused by breathing in asbestos dust. If you might be exposed to it - at work, for instance - you can help yourself by following health and safety rules. There are now strict laws covering the use of asbestos, and your employer has a duty to protect you.
The Radiation Protection Division (Health Protection Agency in the UK) can give you advice if you think you might be at risk from radon gas.
