Awareness of women in the geriatric age group towards gynecological cancers and their screenings

In recent years, the prevalence rate of gynecological cancer among women has been increasing. Women in the geriatric age group appear to be an important risk group for contracting gynecological cancer. In the study, it was aimed to examine the awareness levels of women in the geriatric age group regarding gynecological cancers. A total of 177 women who applied to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic in Hitit University Çorum Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital participated in the research. In the data collection process of the study, 'Descriptive Characteristics of Geriatric Women Data Collection Form' and 'Gynecological Cancers Awareness Scale' were used. Data were analysed with independent groups t test and ANOVA in SPSS 25.0 program. In the study, it was found that women's awareness levels regarding gynecological cancers were at a medium level. It was determined that there was a significant difference in women's awareness levels about gynecological cancers according to the variables of cancer history, social security type, having heard of the HPV vaccine, number of living children, number of dead birth, regular gynaecological check-ups, benefiting from gynecological cancer screening tests and having heard of the pap-smear test (p<0.05). It was found that the level of awareness of gynecological cancers did not show a significant difference compared to other demographic variables (p>0.05). In addition, it was determined that there were significant relationships between the anthropometric measurement values and some obstetric, sexual and gynaecological characteristics of the women participating in the study and their awareness levels regarding gynecological cancers (p<0.05). As a result, it can be said that the demographic characteristics of women in the geriatric age group affect their awareness levels of gynecological cancers.