Abstract
Tobacco use accounts for at least 30% of all cancer deaths, and 87% of lung cancer deaths. Therefore, the aim of this study was to screen for Phosphatase and Tensin homolog (PTEN) gene mutation among cigarette smokers and to assess population awareness towards tobacco carcinogenicity among Saudi population. This is a cross-sectional survey involved 2099 Saudi civilians living in Northern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). PTEN gene mutation molecular detection was performed for 100 tobacco users, DNA extracted from buccal cells. Out of the 2099, participants, 669/2099(31.8%) were smokers and 1430/2099 (68.2%) were non-smokers. Data regarding smoking type and status were available for 399 cases of whom, 229/399 (57.4%) were currently cigarette smokers, 36/399 (9.2%) were currently shisha smokers and 134/399 (33.6%) were ex-smokers. PTEN gene mutations were identified among two current smokers. Cigarette smoking is a public concern in KSA, which requires control strategies. There is no significant correlation between PTEN gene mutation and cigarette smoking.