Public perceptions of AI-assisted cancer care in Abu Dhabi, UAE: A cross-sectional survey.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in oncology to support early diagnosis and develop personalized treatment plans. However, its successful use in cancer care depends not only on the technology itself, but also on whether people trust it, understand it, and are open to accepting it. This study explored how digitally engaged adults living in Abu Dhabi, UAE, perceive AI-assisted cancer treatment, focusing on how factors like demographics, AI familiarity, and personal cancer experience influence acceptance and concern. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 413 adults using a structured, bilingual (Arabic-English) questionnaire. Participants were asked about their awareness of AI in healthcare, their willingness to accept AI-assisted cancer treatment, and their concerns about issues such as safety, accuracy, cost, and data privacy. Chi-square tests were used to analyze the relationships between these factors. Familiarity with AI had a significant impact on acceptance (p = 0.0006), with those who were very familiar with AI more likely to accept its use in cancer treatment. In contrast, education level (p = 0.664) and personal experience with cancer (p = 0.3562) were not significantly associated with acceptance. Participants who were less familiar with AI expressed more concerns about its accuracy, safety, cost, and the privacy of their data (p = 0.0073), pointing to awareness as a key factor in shaping trust. These findings suggest that trust in AI-assisted cancer care is driven more by how familiar people are with the technology than by their educational background or cancer experience. To build public trust and encourage responsible use of AI in oncology, it is essential to keep healthcare professionals actively involved and to communicate clearly and transparently with patients.