DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i02.025

Pages: 441-446

Introduction: This study was conducted in a province located in southern Turkey, which experienced extensive destruction due to major earthquakes on February 6, 2023. Since a significant portion of healthcare facilities were destroyed or severely damaged, the remaining healthcare facilities and field hospitals established had to primarily focus on providing emergency medical services. Consequently it became evident that patients with breast-related complaints faced difficulties accessing appropriate healthcare centers. This study was designed to investigate the impact of the earthquake on breast cancer, to enable predictability of outcomes in similar situations, and to take preventive measures. Materials and Methods: The medical records of breast cancer patients diagnosed and treated at our hospital during the 15-month periods before and after the February 6, 2023, earthquake were retrospectively reviewed. The patients' age and tumor stages were determined and compared. Results: A total of 274 patients were included in the study, comprising 191 patients diagnosed with breast cancer before the earthquake and 83 patients diagnosed after the earthquake. It was found that the mean age of patients presenting after the earthquake was lower (p<0.005). Additionally, and disease stage were found to be higher in patients presenting after the earthquake (p<0.005). Conclusion: The observation of breast cancer in a younger age group during the post earthquake period may be attributed to patients with symptoms being unable to Access appropriate healthcare facilities after the disaster or to older age groups being unable to reach healthcare institutions. The increase in disease stage was linked to the unavailability of suitable healthcare facilities following the disaster. To address these issues, mobile healthcare teams should be trained, and well-equipped vehicles should be prepared during disaster preparedness phases.