Assessing Cancer Knowledge in the General Population of Bisha Province, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. It is anticipated that the number of new cases in Saudi Arabia will increase yearly as a result of significant changes in lifestyle and population development. There is little to no information or studies concerning cancer awareness or knowledge among the residents of Bisha Province. Aim This study set out to determine the degree of cancer awareness among the general population of Bisha Province, focusing on assessing their knowledge level regarding cancer symptoms, diagnosis, and risk factors. The study demonstrated the association between the participants' sociodemographic characteristics and their level of cancer knowledge. Method This cross-sectional community survey was carried out in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Bisha Province from August 1, 2024, to October 3, 2024. A total of 402 participants aged 18 and above were selected through a non-probability convenience sampling method. Data were collected by using an online, self-administered, standardized questionnaire. Results Awareness levels were generally high, with 243 (60.5%) participants demonstrating excellent awareness levels. However, gaps were observed: only 155 (38.6%) participants showed partial awareness of symptoms and 144 (35.8%) were unaware of self-care practices. Most participants, 274 (68.16%), relied on social media for cancer information. Higher levels of education were shown to be significantly associated with greater awareness. Females demonstrated higher knowledge levels, likely due to female-targeted campaigns, with 118 (78.15%) attending breast cancer awareness events. Conclusion The findings suggest the need for more interventional measures to increase population awareness such as targeted educational campaigns, considering demographic differences and diverse communication channels.