TY - JOUR T1 - Health Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Cancer Screenings Among Individuals Attending Family Health Centers: A Cross-Sectional Research TT - Aile Sağlığı Merkezine Başvuran Bireylerin Sağlık Algıları ve Kanser Taramalarına Yönelik Tutumları AU - Yıldırım, Dilek AU - Akyüz Özdemir, Ferda AU - Boyacı, İbrahim Halil PY - 2026 DA - August Y2 - 2026 DO - 10.38079/igusabder.1790889 JF - Istanbul Gelisim University Journal of Health Sciences JO - IGUSABDER PB - İstanbul Gelisim University WT - DergiPark SN - 2536-4499 SP - 549 EP - 563 IS - 30 LA - en AB - Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of individuals’ health perceptions on their attitudes toward cancer screening and to examine the relationship between these two variables.Method: We implemented a descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational design. The sample consisted of 351 adults who applied to a family health center in Muğla, Turkey, between January and August 2025. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Health Perception Scale, and the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening. Statistical analyses included descriptive tests, independent samples t-tests, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis.Results: The mean age of participants was 43.4±13.9 years, and 60.1% had never undergone cancer screening. The average scores were 38.17±8.21 on the Health Perception Scale and 74.64±15.89 on the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening. A significant positive correlation was found between health perception and attitudes toward cancer screening (r=0.350, p<0.001). Regression analysis demonstrated that health perception explained 12.3% of the variance in screening attitudes. Participants with knowledge about cancer or screening methods had significantly higher health perception scores (p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in screening attitudes by gender, age, or chronic disease status.Conclusion: The findings indicate that health perception is a key determinant of attitudes toward cancer screening. Interventions that strengthen health literacy, enhance awareness, and reduce psychosocial barriers could increase participation in screening programs. Educational initiatives and support interventions delivered through family health centers may play an essential role in promoting early detection and improving community health outcomes. KW - Health perception KW - cancer screening KW - attitude KW - family health center KW - nursing N2 - Amaç: Bu araştırma, bireylerin sağlık algılarının kanser taramalarına yönelik tutumları üzerindeki etkisini ve bu iki değişken arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır.Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı, kesitsel ve ilişki arayıcı tipteki araştırma Ocak–Ağustos 2025 tarihleri arasında Muğla’da bir aile sağlığı merkezine başvuran 351 kişi ile yürütülmüştür. Veriler, Kişisel Bilgi Formu, Sağlık Algısı Ölçeği ve Kanser Taramasına Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği kullanılarak toplanmıştır.Bulgular: Katılımcıların yaş ortalaması 43,42±13,90’dır. Katılımcıların %60,1’i daha önce hiç kanser taraması yaptırmamıştır. Sağlık algısı ve kanser taramasına yönelik tutum arasında pozitif yönlü anlamlı bir ilişki saptanmıştır (r=0,350; p <0,001). Regresyon analizine göre sağlık algısı, tutum puanlarındaki varyansın %12,3’ünü açıklamaktadır. Kanser konusunda bilgi sahibi olan bireylerin sağlık algısı puanları anlamlı düzeyde daha yüksektir (p=0,021).Sonuç: Bulgular, sağlık algısının kanser taramasına yönelik tutumları olumlu yönde etkilediğini göstermektedir. Aile sağlığı merkezlerinde uygulanacak eğitim programları, farkındalık çalışmaları ve psikososyal destek müdahaleleri, kanser tarama programlarına katılımı artırmada önemli katkı sağlayabilir. CR - 1. Grassi L, Caruso R, Sabato S, Massarenti S, Nanni MG. Psychosocial screening and assessment in oncology and palliative care settings. Front Psychol. 2015;7(5):1485. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01485. CR - 2. Duffy SW, Vulkan D, Cuckle H, et al. Effect of mammographic screening from age 40 years on breast cancer mortality (UK Age trial): Final results of a randomised, controlled trial. Lancet Oncol. 2020;21(9):1165–72. doi:10.1016/S1470-2045(20)30398-3. CR - 3. Draeger DL, Sievert KD, Hakenberg OW. 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