Up in smoke: Identifying signs, symptoms, and risk factors of lung cancer among smokers in Saudi Arabia.

Background: For the early detection and prevention of lung cancer, it is critical to know how smokers are aware of warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors for this disease.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia to evaluate the smokers' awareness of lung cancer's signs, symptoms, and risk factors.

Results: Only 54% of smokers recruited (n = 1317) were aware of lung cancer symptoms with 56% of smokers expressing low confidence in recognizing them. The commonly missed symptoms include persistent shoulder pain (38%), prolonged cough (49%), and finger shape changes (49%). Around 73% were aware of lung cancer risk factors and the top known risk factors were smoking (75%), radon gas (65%), and air pollution (57%). Male and light smokers had higher knowledge scores of lung cancer signs and symptoms compared to female and heavy smokers (7.82 ± 4.0 vs. 6.34 ±2.9, P < 0.001, and 7.66 ± 3.9 vs 6.98 ± 4.0, P = 0.023, respectively). Furthermore, male and light smokers had significantly greater lung cancer awareness of risk factors than female and heavy smokers (P < 0.001). A significant positive correlation exists between the identifying signs and symptoms and knowing lung cancer risk factors (r = 0.71, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Heavy smokers are more likely to be unaware of lung cancer warning signs, symptoms, and risk factors than light smokers. Over 55% of smokers lacked confidence in recognizing lung cancer symptoms. Public health measures should address the specific needs of heavy and light smokers, including tailored health education initiatives considering regional and social support differences.