Negative Public Attitudes Toward Cancer in Türkiye: Implications for Nurse-Led Education

This study examined public attitudes toward cancer in Türkiye and identified sociodemographic predictors of negativity, fatalism, and stigma. Understanding these patterns can inform culturally sensitive, nurse-led strategies that promote openness, early screening, and equitable cancer prevention. A descriptive, cross-sectional online survey was conducted among adults in all seven geographical regions of Türkiye. Data were collected using the Public Attitudes Toward Cancer and Cancer Patients Scale and a structured sociodemographic questionnaire. Group differences were examined using independent-samples t tests, one-way analysis of variance with Tukey HSD post hoc comparisons, and Kruskal-Wallis tests with Games-Howell pairwise comparisons, as appropriate. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify predictors of negative disclosure attitudes toward cancer diagnosis. A total of 1022 adults (54.8% female; M age = 34.7, SD = 10.8 years) participated. Disclosure of diagnosis had the highest mean subscale score (M = 1.77, SD = 0.76), followed by impossibility of recovery/stigma (M = 1.72, SD = 0.56) and discrimination (M = 1.37, SD = 0.55). Significant subgroup differences were observed according to gender, age, education, residence, and chronic illness status. In the logistic regression model, female participants had significantly lower odds of negative disclosure attitudes than male participants (OR = .594, 95% CI [.427,.827], p = .002); age, marital status, and chronic illness were not significant predictors. At the item level, 22.8% would not disclose a diagnosis to neighbours, and 18.1% would not disclose it to coworkers. Negative attitudes toward cancer remain prevalent, particularly among socially disadvantaged groups. Disclosure-related stigma and fatalistic beliefs continue to hinder open communication, help-seeking, and timely participation in screening.