Fear of cancer levels of women who applied cervical cancer screening: a cross-sectional study of the effects of health beliefs related to cervical cancer and Pap-Smear test

The study indicated that perceived severity and barriers might heighten fear of cancer. These perceptions could be influenced by social environment, media, and language issues related to the meanings of "cancer". Therefore, oncological care should incorporate culturally sensitive approaches to assess and reduce fear of cancer. Collaboration with public health managers is necessary to develop campaigns that address this issue without inciting fear.