Assessment Of Lung Cancer Awareness Using The Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM): A Systematic Review

Abstract

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, with late-stage diagnosis contributing to poor survival outcomes. Awareness of symptoms and risk factors is a critical determinant of early detection. The Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM), a validated tool, has been widely employed to assess public knowledge and awareness of cancer symptoms, including lung cancer. This systematic review synthesizes evidence from studies utilizing CAM to evaluate lung cancer awareness, identify gaps, and assess the effectiveness of interventions. Databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and PubMed were searched for studies published between 2010–2025. Sixteen studies met inclusion criteria. Findings reveal that awareness of cardinal symptoms (persistent cough, hemoptysis, unexplained weight loss) remains low in general populations, with significant disparities by age, gender, and socioeconomic status. Interventions such as educational campaigns (“Be Clear on Cancer”), decision aids, and multimodal public health strategies significantly improved awareness and help-seeking behavior. However, CAM-based studies highlight persistent barriers including symptom misattribution, stigma, and healthcare access inequities. This review underscores CAM’s utility in monitoring awareness trends and guiding targeted interventions for lung cancer control.