The awareness levels of women for gynecologic cancer in Turkey: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

To investigate the awareness levels of women for gynecologic cancers and the affecting factors. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 321 women. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS). The women's mean score (± standard deviation) on the GCAS was 151.08±3.84. It was determined that the awareness of gynecologic cancer in the women who had undergone gynecologic examination and cervical smear test was higher than in other women. It was also determined that the level of education and income level, the status of having gynecologic examination and operation, and the wanting to get information about gynecologic cancer were not found to affect awareness of gynecologic cancers. The gynecologic cancer awareness of the women increased with the increase in age. It was found that there was no statistically significant relationship between the years of marriage, gravida, and the number of children, and the total GCAS score. Although the gynecologic cancer awareness levels of the participants were high, they were not at the intended level. Education including early diagnosis, risk factors, and symptoms should be provided to women to increase their awareness of gynecologic cancer.