Cancer Care After Türkiye-Syrian Earthquakes: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Objectives: In the field of cancer, many cancer patient associations (CPAs) have been established in Türkiye to support individuals living with cancer (ILCs) throughout the diagnosis and treatment processes. The presence of CPAs for ILCs became more significant after the major earthquakes in southeastern Türkiye in February 2023. The aim of this study is to identify the challenges of ILCs after the earthquakes from the perspective of CPA members.

Methods: This study employed a qualitative approach. The data collection method was in-depth interviews. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 15 volunteers who work with ILCs, selected through purposeful sampling. The data were analyzed by using inductive thematic analysis. This study was conducted between April and May 2023.

Results: Three main themes (problems of ILCs caused by earthquakes, access to health care, future concerns) and 11 subthemes were extracted through analyzing interviews.

Conclusion: ILCs experienced diverse difficulties after earthquakes. Members of CPAs observed that acute interventions to injured people and humanitarian aid activities had the first-place importance after the earthquake, while cancer-related care took the second place, anticipating devastating outcomes for the future of their care. CPAs should be supported by the public, local governments, and central government in their endeavors for ILCs.

Keywords: Individuals Living with Cancer (ILC); Türkiye-Syrian Earthquake; natural disaster.