Knowledge and Awareness of the General Public on Lung Cancer Screening Modalities and Lung Cancer Preventive Methods in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study explores public knowledge and willingness to participate in lung cancer screening in Saudi Arabia, finding low awareness but high willingness when advised by healthcare providers.

Contribution

The study identifies specific barriers to lung cancer screening adoption and emphasizes the need for educational and policy interventions to support national implementation.

Findings

Only 30.1% of participants had heard of lung cancer screening, with 50.2% showing poor knowledge.

Willingness to undergo screening was high (78.1%), but major barriers include lack of knowledge and radiation concerns.

Healthcare provider recommendations were the primary motivator for screening participation.

Abstract

Lung cancer is a leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia, yet it is often diagnosed at advanced stages when it is harder to treat. This research was suggested to determine if the public is prepared for a national screening program using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT). The authors aimed to measure current awareness levels and identify specific barriers, such as a lack of information or concerns about radiation, that might hinder participation. The findings show that while overall knowledge is low, there is a strong willingness to undergo screening if advised by a healthcare provider. This study provides the evidence-based foundation required for policy-driven identification of high-risk groups and the design of equitable recruitment strategies. By bridging these knowledge gaps, health authorities can move beyond technology alone to establish a nationwide program.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally and is often diagnosed at advanced stages in Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study aimed to quantify public awareness and knowledge of lung cancer screening (LCS) using LDCT and identify barriers to its implementation in Riyadh. A validated 24-item questionnaire was administered to 452 participants to assess demographic factors, smoking history, and LCS knowledge. Results revealed that only 30.1% of participants had heard of LCS, and 50.2% demonstrated “poor” knowledge scores (mean score 11.0 ± 4.97). Higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with being female, having a bachelor’s degree or higher, and being a non-smoker. While 78.1% expressed willingness to undergo screening, the most significant barrier was a lack of knowledge about the test (44.1%), followed by concerns regarding radiation exposure (36.1%). Conversely, a healthcare provider’s recommendation was identified as the primary motivator for 53.3% of respondents. These findings highlight a critical “awareness–willingness” gap. While public willingness is high, this should not be misconstrued as systemic preparedness; substantial educational and structural gaps remain that must be bridged before national implementation can be considered feasible. We conclude that while public willingness is high, successful implementation requires a transition toward organized invitation systems and the use of multifactorial risk profiles. Integrating epidemiological evidence with proactive policy design is essential to ensure that the national program avoids systematic under- or over-inclusion and remains effective for all demographics.

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