Gynecological Cancer Awareness and Determination of Healthy Lifestyle Levels Among Women in Türkiye
ABSTRACT
Objective
This study aimed to assess gynecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle levels among women in Türkiye.
Methods
A descriptive, cross‐sectional design was applied with 656 women from various Turkish regions. Data were collected using a sociodemographic form, the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale, and the Healthy Lifestyle Screening Scale.
Results
The median gynecological cancer awareness score was 147.00, and the median healthy lifestyle score was 95.00. A positive, significant correlation was found between awareness and healthy lifestyle scores ( r s = 0.359; p < 0.001). Awareness differed significantly by education, employment, motherhood, gynecological examination and Pap smear frequency, cancer knowledge, fear of cancer, and age ( p < 0.05). Healthy lifestyle scores were significantly related to income, smoking, perceived health, and regular exercise ( p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Women generally demonstrated above‐average gynecological cancer awareness, and higher awareness was linked to healthier lifestyles. Overall, 1.2% had a very low, 14.6% low, 75.9% good, and 8.3% very good healthy lifestyle level. These findings suggest that nurses should implement educational and counseling programs to enhance women's gynecological cancer awareness and promote healthy lifestyle behaviors.