Gynaecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors of women aged 20-65 years: A descriptive cross-sectional study

For both individual and community health, women's health is vital. In particular, gynecological cancers can be prevented or treated by adopting healthy lifestyles, raising awareness, and detecting them early. This study aimed to identify levels of gynecological cancer awareness and healthy lifestyle behaviors among women aged 20-65 years. There were 251 women in the descriptive cross-sectional study. The Gynecological Cancers Awareness Scale (GCAS), the Descriptive Characteristics Form, and the Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale-II (HLBS-II) were used to gather data. The data was analyzed using the Pearson's correlation test, multiple linear regression, and descriptive statistics. The average HLBS-II score was 123.53±20.75, while the average GCAS score was 149.64±21.30. The HLBS-II and GCAS scores showed a statistically significant positive correlation. Women knowledgeable about early diagnosis methods scored 10.758 times higher on the GCAS, while women familiar with vulvar self-examination scored 11.016 times higher. Employed women had a mean HLBS-II score 6.124 times higher than non-employed women (p<0.05). Women's awareness of gynecological cancer was high, but they also had moderately good lifestyle choices. To raise awareness and promote healthy lifestyle choices, healthcare professionals are advised to take part in health-promoting initiatives.