Lung cancer remains a formidable global health challenge, with its prevalence and impact extending far beyond the realms of medical science. As we delve into the idyllic hills of Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, our focus sharpens on the critical aspect of awareness and knowledge regarding lung cancer among the general public. The need for such an inquiry is underscored by the complex interplay of lifestyle, environmental factors, and regional healthcare disparities that can significantly influence the trajectory of lung cancer in a given population [1-2].

The cultural diversity and geographical nuances of Shimla necessitate a context-specific approach. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes, our focus narrows to the critical examination of awareness and knowledge regarding lung cancer among the general public. The imperative for such an inquiry lies in the complex interplay of lifestyle, environmental factors, and regional healthcare disparities that significantly influence the trajectory of lung cancer in this unique population [3-4].

Despite the advancements in medical research and the dissemination of information, understanding the depth of knowledge and awareness about lung cancer among the residents of District Shimla is imperative. This study is an earnest attempt to bridge the existing gaps in our comprehension of how the citizens of this picturesque district perceive and respond to the challenges posed by lung cancer. Drawing insights from the community becomes paramount. In grounding our study, we delve into existing literature and empirical research on lung cancer awareness, both globally and within the Indian context, to provide a robust theoretical framework [5-6].

Despite advancements in medical research and information dissemination,   a nuanced comprehension of the prevailing knowledge landscape is essential. Our endeavor is guided by the conviction that a nuanced understanding of the prevailing knowledge landscape can inform targeted public health interventions, education programs, and policy initiatives. By unraveling the layers of awareness, we aspire to contribute to the enhancement of preventive measures, early detection strategies, and support systems for those affected by lung cancer in Shimla.

Objectives of the Study

The primary objective is to gauge awareness and knowledge about Lung Cancer among general public of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

Research Methodology

• Research Approach-Descriptive

• Research Design-Cross-sectional survey design

• Study area:  District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

• Study duration- between August 2023 to November 2023

• Study population: The study's target population encompassed all adults aged 18 and above who had been residents of District Shimla for a minimum of 12 months

• Sample size- A robust sample size of 400 adults was determined using a 95% confidence level, an estimated knowledge level of 50% regarding Lung Cancer, a precise 5% absolute error margin, and a conservative 5% non-response rate

• Study tool: A google form questionnaire consisting of questions regarding socio-demography and knowledge regarding Lung Cancer was created. The questionnaire was initially pre-tested on a small number of participants to identify any difficulty in understanding by the respondents

• Description of Tool

• Demographic data survey instrument: The demographic form elicited information on participants’ background: age, marital status, religion, employment, education and many more

• Questionnaire: The questionnaire contains 20 structured knowledge related questions regarding Lung Cancer. One mark was given for each correct answer and zero for incorrect answer. The maximum score was 20 and minimum score was zero. Scoring was done on the basis of marks as >80%(16-20)=very good,60-79%(12-15)=Good,41-59%(8-11)=Fair,<40% (< 8)=poor

• Validity of tool - by the experts in this field

• Data collection- Data was collected under the guidance of supervisors. The google form questionnaire was circulated among the residents of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh for responses using online modes like e-mail and social media platforms like Whatsapp groups, Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin till the 400 responses were collected

• Data analysis- Data was collected and entered in Microsoft excel spread sheet, cleaned for errors and analyzed with Epi Info V7 Software with appropriate statistical test in terms of frequencies and percentage

Ethical Considerations- Participants confidentiality and anonymity was maintained

The goal of the current study was to assess general public knowledge regarding Lung Cancer through a non-experimental descriptive survey. A total of 400 respondents took part in the study, with 124 (31%) coming from urban areas and 276 (69%) from rural areas.

In the present study 32.75% (131) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Lung Cancer, 36.75% (147) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 17.25% (69) had fair knowledge  (8-11 marks) and 13.25% (53) having poor knowledge  (<8 marks).

Table 1: Knowledge regarding Lung Cancer among study participants

Table 2: Knowledge scores towards Lung Cancer among study participants

The findings of our study shed light on the prevailing levels of awareness and knowledge regarding lung cancer among the residents of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. With a diverse demographic representation, the study aimed to gauge the understanding of lung cancer, its risk factors, symptoms, early detection, and overall awareness within the community.

The study revealed a noteworthy level of general knowledge among the participants. The majority exhibited a solid grasp of fundamental concepts related to lung cancer, such as its nature, risk factors, and common signs and symptoms. The responses underscore the importance of disseminating information about the disease and its associated factors within the community [7-8].

While a commendable number of participants identified smoking, both active and passive, as a primary risk factor for lung cancer, there is room for improvement in recognizing other environmental and occupational factors. The study brings attention to the need for targeted awareness campaigns focusing on these lesser-known risk elements to enhance preventive measures [7-9].

The positive response concerning the role of early detection in improving prognosis suggests a growing awareness of the significance of timely identification. However, the relatively lower knowledge regarding the benefits of lung cancer screenings indicates an area where targeted educational efforts could yield substantial benefits [9-10].

The study uncovered personal experiences with lung cancer among a notable portion of participants. These narratives offer valuable insights into the lived experiences of individuals affected by the disease, emphasizing the need for support systems and community awareness campaigns [5-8].

Our findings align with studies conducted in diverse populations globally. Similar studies in India have highlighted the impact of socio-cultural factors on cancer awareness and underscored the importance of community-based interventions [5-7]

To augment the existing knowledge base, targeted interventions could include community workshops, awareness campaigns leveraging local media, and collaborations with healthcare providers. Engaging with local influencers and implementing culturally sensitive initiatives can further enhance the effectiveness of such interventions.

Limitations and Future Research

While the study provides valuable insights, limitations such  as  the  reliance  on  self-reported data and potential biases in online survey distribution should be acknowledged. Future research could delve deeper into specific subgroups within the population, exploring factors influencing knowledge disparities.

In conclusion, our study reveals a commendable level of general knowledge about lung cancer among the residents of District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, with participants demonstrating a solid understanding of fundamental aspects such as the nature of the disease and its primary risk factors. However, there exist opportunities for targeted interventions, particularly in enhancing awareness of lesser-known environmental and occupational risk factors, the benefits of lung cancer screenings, and the variety of available support resources. The findings underscore the importance of context-specific educational initiatives to bridge urban-rural knowledge disparities and the potential impact of personal experiences on community awareness. By aligning our recommendations with existing global and Indian literature, this study contributes to the foundation for tailored public health interventions, emphasizing the significance of culturally sensitive strategies to augment lung cancer awareness and support in this picturesque region.

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