A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF LUNG CANCER AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION OF DISTRICT KARAK ANDKOHAT KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Abstract

Lung cancer is not only a significant source of morbidity and cancer deaths in various populations and health care systems, but it is likely to have a critical impact on them. This study aims to determine the extent of knowledge and awareness about lung cancer among the populations in the two southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and inform about gaps that can impede the prevention and timely occurrence of lung cancer. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the district of Karak and Kohat in Pakistan between July 2025 and July 2025. The collection of data involved will be conducted in the form of a self-administered questionnaire, which will be designed after an intensive review of relevant literature and consultation with proficient professors in the domain. The results advance a complicated topography of knowledge gaps, non-symmetry of knowledge among demographic groups, with a definite impact on the formulation of the public health policy and focus of intervention that shows a marked disparity. The findings revealed valuable knowledge gaps within the early symptoms, the risk factors of lung cancer, and early medical consultation. The government and health officials must prioritize lung cancer in their management plans towards reducing non-communicable diseases (NCD) by allocating finances towards the establishment of awareness, screening, and treatment centers in these areas.