New research says current and ex-smokers have almost the same rate of lung cancer diagnosis.

ThatÂ’'s according to a new 10-year audit from St JamesÂ’' Hospital. 

There were almost 700 new cases of lung cancer at the hospital in 2012 - with smokers and ex-smokers making up 90% of the total.

Incidents of lung cancer averaged at about 44.5% for current smokers - and just over 43% for ex-smokers.

Health Minister James Reilly says the best way to prevent lung cancer is to avoid taking up smoking: