Knowledge and attitudes of individuals applying to Hekim Şifa-i Healty Life Centeral district of Edirne regarding cancer screenings and their awareness of healty living

Bacground and Aim: This study aimed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of adult individuals who applied to the Hekim Şifa-İ Healthy Life Center in the central district of Edirne regarding national cancer screening programs, and to assess their level of awareness about healthy lifestyles. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted between January 1, 2023, and June 15, 2023, with individuals who applied to the Hekim Şifa-İ Healthy Life Center in Edirne's central district. A total of 385 volunteers who visited the center during the study period and agreed to participate were included. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a personal information form questioning socio-demographic characteristics, the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screenings (KYTÖ), and the Healthy Lifestyle Awareness Scale (SYFÖ). A program called SPSS (IBM SPSS Statics 20) was used to perform statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 48,0±9,2 years. Of the participants, 83.6% were female and 16.4% were male. Regarding marital status, 84.4% were married, 6% single, 6% divorced, and 3.6% widowed. In terms of educational background, 2.3% were literate without formal education, 22.9% had completed primary school, 6.2% middle school, 28.3% high school, 34.8% university, and 5.5% had postgraduate education. Among participants, 49.9% reported smoking, 74.3% considered their diet to be healthy, and 38.2% had undergone cancer screening previously. The mean total SYFÖ score was 61.15±13.23. SYFÖ scores were significantly higher among women, non-smokers, and those who believed they followed a healthy diet. The mean total KYTÖ score was found to be 101.71±12.95, with significantly higher scores among women. The lowest KYTÖ scores were observed among individuals who smoked more than two packs of cigarettes per day. Participants who reported healthy eating habits were more likely to participate in cancer screenings. Similarly, those who had previously undergone screenings demonstrated higher participation rates. A personal history of breast or cervical cancer positively influenced attitudes toward cancer screenings. Conclusion: The findings indicate that women exhibit more positive attitudes toward cancer screenings and possess higher levels of healthy lifestyle awareness. Individuals who have developed a conscious attitude toward cancer screenings tend to participate more frequently in these programs, underscoring the importance of enhancing public engagement in preventive health services. A higher awareness of healthy living is associated with increased participation in cancer screenings. The study emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to develop more effective strategies to improve health literacy and promote participation in cancer screening programs. It also offers insights for local and national-level initiatives aimed at increasing cancer screening rates. Keywords: Cancer, screening, preventive health services