The Relationship Between Health Perception and Awareness of Cancer Screening in Patients Applying to Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of Karabuk Education And Research Hospital

Authors : Muhsin Yüksel, Mehmet Murat Şahin, Habibe İnci

Pages : 83-89

Doi:10.35514/mtd.2025.133

View : 39 | Download : 114

Publication Date : 2025-12-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: Cancer continues to be a very important disease in human life today as it was before. Appropriate cancer screening is of great importance to ensure that existing cancer patients are diagnosed early and to reduce mortality. This study aimed to assess the link between health perception and awareness of cancer screening, to investigate the factors influencing health perception levels, and to evaluate individuals’ knowledge regarding cancer screening programs. Materials and Methods: A survey form served as the instrument for data collection in the research. It includes 21 items along with the Health Perception Scale (HPS). The study was conducted with 320 participants. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 25 (SPSS-25) statistical program was used for statistical analysis and calculations. Results: The average age at the midpoint of the participants was 42 years. 60.62% of the participants stated that they knew that cancer screening was performed within the scope of national screening. While 35.63% of the participants had undergone any cancer screening in their lives, 64.38% stated that they had never undergone cancer screening. Participants who indicated knowledge of cancer screening being implemented nationally had significantly higher HRQoL scores than those who reported no such knowledge. Participants knowledgeable about the Cancer Early Diagnosis, Screening, and Education Center (CEDSE) demonstrated higher HRQoL scores at a statistically significant level, while no meaningful correlation was observed between lifetime cancer screening experience and HRQoL. The HRQoL score of those who were aware of the national cancer screenings in Turkey was statistically significantly higher than those who were not. Conclusion: Awareness of national cancer screening programs and CEDSE was associated with higher health perception scores. Yet, there was no significant link between health perception and participation in cancer screening. These findings indicate that knowledge improves perception, but behavioral change relies on additional determinants.
Keywords : Sağlık Algısı Ölçeği, KETEM, Kanser Taraması

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