Knowledge and Awareness of the General Public on Lung Cancer Screening Modalities and Lung Cancer Preventive Methods in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
by
,
Suha Kaaki
1, 
Khalid Alkhani
1,
Omar Aldosari
2,
Zyad Aldosari
2,
Mohammed Alhuqbani
2,
Khalid Nagshabandi
1,
Ahmad W. Hajjar
3,
Sami A. Al-Nassar
1 and
Waseem M. Hajjar
1,* 1
Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11472, Saudi Arabia
2
Department of Orthopedics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh 11472, Saudi Arabia
3
College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh 11533, Saudi Arabia
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Curr. Oncol. 2026, 33(3), 169; https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol33030169
Submission received: 26 January 2026
/
Revised: 2 March 2026
/
Accepted: 12 March 2026
/
Published: 16 March 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Thoracic Oncology: From Surgical Innovation to Outcome Optimization)
Simple Summary
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.
Abstract
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.
