Abstract

Background: Lung cancer is a global burden that represents a leading cancer diagnosis universally. Prevention of lung cancer can be achieved to a great extent through controlling risk factors. However, risk factors of lung cancer are still not well explored in the Saudi community. This survey analysis aimed to evaluate epidemiology and risk factors of lung cancer among general population in different areas in Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A self-administered structured questionnaire was sent to the public through online “Google forms” including questions on their exposure to different carcinogenic materials, compliance with healthy life measures, and their family history of lung cancer in addition to socio-demographic data. Data were analyzed using SPSS program version 22.
Results: Exposure to smoking is the most prevalent risk factor in Saudi Arabia (28.56%), followed by irritant materials (22.6%). Smoking is significantly higher in age group between 40 to 60 years old (p = 0.012) and those with primary school certification (p = 0.002). Also, subjects in the age group 40 to 60 years old had a significantly higher compliance to healthy diet (p < 0.001) and higher vitamin intake (p = 0.041). The subjects who lived in eastern region had a significantly higher (p < 0.001) incidence of eating healthy food compared to other
subjects, while those living in Northern area showed significantly greater weight loss (p = 0.009) compared to other areas.
Conclusion: Awareness programs and smoking cessation campaigns should be held on a national level. Future studies are needed to investigate the level of knowledge and attitude of the general population in Saudi Arabia toward smoking as a major risk factor for lung cancer.

Key words: Lung cancer; Smoking; Risk; Saudi Arabia