Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Status of a Group of Turkish Women

Introduction: The aim of the study was to determine the breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screeningrates and the influencing factors in a group of Turkish females.
Methods: This descriptive study was conductedin a School of Nursing. The study sample consisted of 603 females who were the mothers/neighbors or relativesof the nursing students. Data collection forms were developed by the investigators after the relevant literaturewas screened and were used to collect the data.
Results: Of the women aged 30 and over, 32.8% had undergonea pap smear test at least once in their life. Of those aged 50 and over, 48.2% had undergone mammography atleast once and FOBT had been performed in 12% of these women in their life. Having heard of the screeningtests before, knowing why they are done, and having information on the national cancer screening programwere important factors influencing the rates of women having these tests done. Discussion: The results of thisstudy show that the rates of women participating in national cervical, breast, and colorectal cancer screeningprograms are not at the desired levels. Having heard of the screening tests before, knowing why they are done,and having information on the national cancer screening program were important factors influencing the ratesof women having these tests done. It is suggested that written and visual campaigns to promote the service shouldbe used to educate a larger population, thus increasing the participation rates for cancer screening programs.