Can living in a basement increase my risk of lung cancer due to radon?

Yes if radon present: You need to buy a radon test kit at a home supply store and check the radon levels in the basement. Elevated radon exposure is the major lung cancer risk for non-smokers. If levels are elevated you should ask the landlord to have the problem corrected. Contractors can install active ventilation and do sealing of the basement from radon infiltration.

Depends: Check for radon! some basements may have little or none.