The devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey and northern Syria on 6 February have destroyed homes, hospitals, and roads. Thousands of people have died, and many more are badly injured. Dr Figen, from our Turkish Member Organisation Dance With Cancer, shares an update.

“We are facing a great disaster. We are hurting. Following the earthquakes, hundreds of thousands of people are now left homeless. We are constantly trying to help them meet their needs, but there are not enough tents, the weather is freezing, food is limited, transportation is challenging, and people are suffering.

We don’t know how many cancer patients have been affected by earthquakes. However, we estimate they are too many. The need for shelter is prioritised for now, so it isn’t easy to find medicines, and some drugs are not available at all.

As cancer patients need so much psychological support and healthy nutrition, we would be very grateful if you would support us with these needs for our patients and their care.”

DiCE stands with Turkey and Syria, offering our thoughts as they navigate through these difficult days. We invite our greater DiCE network to please consider donating to the aid of those struggling in Turkey and Syria through the UN World Food Programme.

Looking forward, we hope to find ways in which we can support cancer patients and patient organisations affected by the earthquake.