Awareness of Lung Cancer Among the Lebanese General Population: a Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is a significant contributor to mortality worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the level of lung cancer awareness among the Lebanese general population.

Methods: An online-based questionnaire was completed by 410 participants all over Lebanon. A validated Lung Cancer Awareness Measurement tool was used. Multivariate analysis using Generalized Linear model and post-hoc analysis were performed after assessing validity and reliability of the scale.

Results: Only 13.7% correctly identified age-related lung cancer risk, while 60.7% thought age was unrelated. Warning signs were poorly recalled, with persistent cough being the most remembered (58%), and coughing up blood being highly recognized (87.8%). Participants struggled to recognize persistent shoulder pain (28.7%) and finger/nail changes (29.51%) as possible warning signs of lung cancer. Multivariate analysis showed that governorates, educational level, and occupation significantly affected warning sign-scores. Post-hoc analysis revealed that people residing in Bekaa scored lower warning sign recognition scales compared with participants residing in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, and North. Postgraduates and medical field workers showed higher symptom recognition, with the latter scoring higher recall scales as well. Smoking was the most recalled and recognized risk factor (82% and 95.6%). Females, postgraduates, and medical workers showed higher risk factor recognition. While 75% were willing to seek medical attention for lung cancer suspicion, 58% lacked confidence in identifying warning signs.

Conclusions: Extensive awareness campaigns focusing on age-related misconceptions, warning signs, and risk factors hold immense promise for improved therapeutic outcomes.