Fasting during Ramadan when you have cancer

Ramadan is a significant period of reflection, prayer, and fasting for Muslims worldwide. It is a time many Muslims look forward to.

During Ramadan, Muslims who are able to fast avoid eating, drinking or taking any medicines by mouth from sunrise to sunset.

However, if you or someone you know is living with cancer, having cancer treatment or recovering from it, the traditional fast can come with some challenges.

It's essential to approach Ramadan with both religious and medical considerations in mind.

Deciding to fast during Ramadan

Balancing faith and health during Ramadan requires careful thought and support, both from medical professionals and the religious community. 

If you're thinking about whether to fast during Ramadan:

• speak to your local Imam (Islamic leader) to explore what Islam says about fasting when undergoing treatment, as that may help with any feelings of guilt that may show up
• speak to your medical team or GP, as they can provide guidance on how to fast safely, considering your specific medical condition and treatment plan

If you can't fast

If you can't fast during Ramadan, you might experience feelings of sadness, guilt, or exclusion. 

It's important to acknowledge these emotions, and look to participate in other acts of worship. By making informed decisions and embracing alternative forms of worship and charity, you can still take part in the spiritual month while prioritising your health and wellbeing.

Prayers, reading Quran, and spiritual reflection

Taking part in Taraweeh (night prayers) and being active in your religious community can provide comfort and spiritual fulfilment, especially when you might be feeling otherwise excluded.

You can also speak to your local Imam or religious leader for spiritual advice and encouragement.

Making up fasts

If you're unable to fast because of your cancer, treatment or recovery, you can consider making up the missed fast at another time of year, once you are well enough to do so. This is known as qada.

Charitable giving

If you're unable to fast during Ramadan and you will not be able to make up the missed fast at a later time, you can make a monetary donation known as fidya.

If you can fast

If you have spoken with your medical team and religious leader and you are well enough to fast, there are a few things you may wish to consider in your approach to fasting during Ramadan.

Set yourself small, realistic goals

What you are able to manage at this time of year may be a little different from usual. Setting yourself goals that are small and realistic for the month can help you avoid disappointment.

Plan your meals

Consider the impact your cancer and treatment has on your diet and appetite, and plan meals that will best sustain you through the fasting period. Speak to your medical team or someone at your nearest Maggie's for support with this.

Review if your health changes

If your health or situation changes in any way, be sure to speak to your medical team and local religious leader to decide whether fasting is still appropriate for you.

Remember what fasting symbolises

Yes, fasting is about food and drink, but it's also about character development, discipline, learning restraint and showing empathy for those less fortunate.

Whether you can fast or not... be kind to yourself

It's important that you are kind to yourself at this time of year while going through cancer treatment. Here are some ways you can do this.

Set expectations with your friends and family

You may be used to a specific routine at this time of year, but fatigue and other side effects may make this harder. Talk to your immediate network about how this is impacting you, and see if there is anything you can do to lighten your load, such as delegate certain tasks to others.

Pace and prioritise

Ramadan can invoke a strong sense of motivation and desire to do as many good deeds as possible. However, the physical and emotional impact of cancer and treatment could become a significant barrier to this.

Giving space to unwanted limitations can be difficult, but it can help to think about how you adjust to present circumstances at a pace that is sustainable.

Talk to your local Imam

Your local Imam can help you explore and gain knowledge about how to best engage with the month of Ramadan within a cancer context. For example, exploring different forms of worship.

A trusted religious leader can offer encouragement and understanding in your situation and can help with difficult feelings like guilt or anxiety, whilst promoting engagement with the blessed month in a manageable way.

Just come in to Maggie’s

Our centres are a safe, welcoming environments where you can relax away from a clinical setting, and connect with others living with cancer, speak with one of our friendly experts or have some reflection time to yourself.

How Maggie's can help

At Maggie’s we can support you in navigating some of these difficult feelings you may have at this time, explore ways of managing, as well as discuss ways to manage practically. 

• If you can visit us during Ramadan, find your nearest centre and just come in
• You can get support over the phone or email. You can request a callback here

However you spend Ramadan, we'd like to wish you and your family Ramadan Mubarak. 

Last review: Feb 2026 | Next review: Feb 2029