Public Attitudes Towards Lung Cancer Screening in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and it is ranked as the first cause of death in more than 100 countries around the world. The aim of this study was to explore the knowledge and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia toward lung cancer screening.

Methods

A cross-sectional study employing an online survey was conducted between November 2021 and February 2022 in Saudi Arabia. This study utilized a previously developed questionnaire instrument. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of positive attitude toward lung cancer screening.

Results

A total of 473 participants were involved in this study. The majority of the study participants (74.6%) reported that they are current smokers. Almost 31.5% of the study participants reported that if lung cancer is detected early, the person’s chance of surviving is poor to very poor. The majority of the study participants reported that they would be willing to do tests to diagnose lung cancer if you were invited by the Ministry of Health or their doctor. Males, participants aged (24–34 years), and current smokers were more likely to have positive attitude towards lung cancer screening (p ≤ 0.05). On the other hand, patients aged 46 years and over and those with higher education had less positive attitude towards lung cancer screening (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

This is the first study to look into the general public’s attitudes toward lung cancer screening in Saudi Arabia. According to our findings, the majority of people believe that early detection of lung cancer can lead to improved results and have a favourable attitude toward lung cancer screening if it is indicated. Thus, incorporating lung cancer screening into the local guidelines in at-risk population is highly recommended and considering the launch of nation-wide lung cancer screening program is advised.

Keywords:

• cancer
• lung
• screening
• smokers

Data and Materials Availability

All data for this study were analysed and presented in the manuscript.

Institutional Review Board Statement

This study was approved by the Research ethics Committee at Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia (Ref: HAPO-02-K-012-2022-11-1361). Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. All procedures comply with the principles of Helsinki Declaration.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors declare no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this study.