Understanding Public Awareness and Knowledge of Lung Cancer Screening Practices: A Cross-Sectional Study from the Asir Region, Saudi Arabia

Geetha Kandasamy^1*Khalid Orayj¹Asma M Alshahrani²Tahani Alanazi¹Amjad Hmlan¹Sita Alharthi³Hanan Alyami⁴Arwa Khaled¹

• ¹Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University,, Abha, Saudi Arabia
• ²Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University,, Dawadimi,, Saudi Arabia
• ³Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University,, Dawadimi,, Saudi Arabia
• ⁴Department of medical and Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Norah Bint Abdulrahman University,, Riyadh,, Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background: Lung cancer (LC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, largely due to late diagnosis and limited public awareness of early symptoms and screening. In Saudi Arabia, increasing smoking rates and environmental risks heighten this burden, particularly in the Asir Region. This study assessed public knowledge and awareness of LC symptoms, risk factors, and screening practices in this region. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from April to June 2025 among adults (≥18 years) in the Asir Region. Using convenience sampling, 437 participants completed a validated Arabic questionnaire covering demographics, LC knowledge, and screening awareness. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of good knowledge (p < 0.05). Results: Among 437 participants, 192 (43.9%) demonstrated good knowledge, while 245 (56.1%) had poor knowledge. The most recognized symptom was shortness of breath (63.5%), whereas frequent chest infections (45.3%) and shoulder pain (29.5%) were less identified. Only 212 (48.5%) were aware of screening methods, though 267 (61.1%) acknowledged the importance of early detection. Good knowledge was less likely among high school graduates (OR = 0.242, 95% CI: 0.133–0.440), diploma holders (OR = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.061–0.230), and uneducated individuals (OR = 0.435, 95% CI: 0.215–0.870) compared with degree holders. Employed participants showed higher knowledge (OR = 5.384, 95% CI: 2.650–10.939), while those exposed to smokers had lower knowledge (OR = 0.382, 95% CI: 0.237–0.613). Conclusion: Public knowledge of LC in the Asir Region is inadequate. While smoking was widely recognized as a risk factor, awareness of environmental and occupational causes and less common symptoms was limited. Education, employment, and smoker exposure significantly influenced knowledge, underscoring the need for targeted awareness programs to enhance early detection and reduce LC burden.