The Silent Threat to Young Women: Assessment of Gynecological Cancer Awareness

Abstract

Purpose:This research was conducted to determine the level of awareness of gynecological cancers among young female university students and the factors influencing this awareness.Methods: This study is descriptive and cross-sectional in nature. It was conducted with 724 female students studying at a state university. Data were collected using a Sociodemographic Information Form and the Gynecological Cancer Awareness Scale (GCAS).Results: The average age of the participants was 20.82±2.34 years. The mean total score on the GCAS was 149.36±21.77. Awareness scores differed significantly according to class level and income status. Furthermore, students who had knowledge about gynecological cancer, prevention methods, early diagnosis, and KETEM (Cancer Early Detection and Screening Center) had higher awareness scores (p