Men's Perceptions, Attitudes, and Knowledge Levels Toward Cancer Screening

The Effect of Education Given to Men on Their Perceptions, Attitudes, and Knowledge Levels Toward Cancer Screening

Countries are establishing national and international cancer control programs in response to cancer, which has become a global problem. Therefore, cancer is a disease that can be combated not only through investments in treatment, but also through efforts focused on prevention and early diagnosis. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 data, more than 51% of all cancer cases worldwide occur in men. The three most common types of cancer in men are lung cancer, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer. Increasing awareness, attitudes, and knowledge levels regarding cancer screenings, especially for preventable diseases, will increase participation in screening programs. Increased knowledge levels will translate into positive health behaviors. This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of the Cancer Screenings Education for Men (CASEM) intervention on men's perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge regarding cancer screening programs. Research data will be collected at a public institution between September 2025 and September 2026. The study sample will consist of a total of 78 male individuals, including 39 experimental and 39 control groups that meet the inclusion criteria. Male individuals will be assigned to the experimental and control groups using stratified randomization. The Individual Identification Form, Cancer Screening Perception Scale, Cancer Screening Attitude Scale, and Cancer Screening Knowledge Scale will be used. IBM SPSS 29.0 software will be used to analyze the data obtained from the study. This study will be an important one that addresses Turkey's future vision within the scope of the Twelfth Development Plans and supports the goals and policy measures of the development plan. In addition, our study serves the Sustainable Development Goals, which are among the most important global goals in the context of sustainability. It is expected to have implications for health practices and planning.

In Turkey, the National Cancer Screening Program for men involves a fecal occult blood test every two years for those aged 50-70 and a colonoscopy every 10 years. Although men under the age of 50 are not included in the routine screening program, there are many simple screening methods for various cancers. After reviewing the literature and considering the current prevalence of cancer, it was decided that men aged 30 and older are suitable for sampling. The inclusion criteria for the study were determined in accordance with the relevant literature (Abasi et al., 2021; Echeverri et al., 2022; Makarov et al., 2021; Vernon et al., 2024).

Inclusion criteria

To be included in the study, participants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be 30 years of age or older at the time of the study,
• Be at least literate,
• Have no cognitive, visual, or orthopedic impairments that would prevent them from completing the questionnaires,
• Be able to speak and understand Turkish,
• Have no previous history of cancer diagnosis or cancer treatment,
• Agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Participants are excluded from the study if they meet any of the following criteria:

• Having previously had cancer and undergone cancer treatment,
• Not currently employed at the institution (e.g., on temporary assignment),
• Refusing to participate in the study.