Feb 24, 2026
3 min read
Fasting in Ramadan is a challenge for cancer patients who want to continue their religion.Medical conditions and treatment options need to be carefully considered to ensure your health.RSA doctors emphasize that survival and continued treatment should be a priority.
Ramadan is an important time for Muslims, including patients undergoing cancer treatment.The desire to continue fasting is often present as part of spiritual strengthening in the middle of the therapeutic process.However, the medical condition and resistance of the body during treatment often require careful consideration.Therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy can affect nutritional intake, hydration and daily endurance.Therefore, the decision to fast should be based on a thorough clinical assessment.
Dokter Spesialis Bedah Subspesialis Onkologi Rumah Sakit Akademik Universitas Gadjah Mada (RSA ), dr. R. Wahyu Kartiko Tomo, Sp.B., Subsp.Onk(K), menjelaskan bahwa keputusan berpuasa pada pasien kanker bersifat sangat individual. Ia menuturkan bahwa tidak semua pasien otomatis dilarang menjalankan puasa Ramadan. Penilaian medis perlu mempertimbangkan jenis kanker, stadium penyakit, status gizi, serta terapi yang sedang dijalani. Penyakit penyerta seperti diabetes, gangguan ginjal, atau masalah jantung turut menjadi faktor penting dalam pengambilan keputusan. “Secara umum, boleh atau tidaknya sangat individual dan bergantung pada kondisi klinis masing-masing pasien,” ujarnya, Senin (23/2).
According to Tomo, as he is commonly called, the main principle in determining the appropriateness of fasting is that there is no interference with the effectiveness of treatment. If fasting has the potential to worsen the condition or stop the treatment process, it should be postponed. He explained that the safety of the patient remains the first priority in every medical decision. A thorough evaluation before Ramadan is highly recommended so that the patient understands the possible risks.If it interferes with treatment or worsens clinical conditions, then it should be postponed," he explained.
In addition, Tomo explained that chemotherapy often causes side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and severe fatigue.The risk of dehydration and electrolyte disturbances may also increase during treatment.Fasting on low water and calorie intake can make these symptoms worse.Special care is needed because malnourished patients are more likely to lose weight more quickly." Fasting can make things worse, especially if water intake is inadequate and caloric intake is inadequate, you're not getting enough," she said.
Tomo explained that radiotherapy also has its own challenges, depending on the location of the radiation.In the head and neck area, patients may have pain when swallowing and difficulty eating.Radiation to the stomach can cause nausea or diarrhea, and exposure to large areas often causes extreme fatigue.In such a situation, restricting intake during fasting can increase dehydration and also reduce body weight.This condition can prevent the continuation of therapy if not treated properly."Fasting under these conditions can increase the risk of dehydration and significant weight loss," he said.
He added that there are groups of patients who are not advised to fast.poor general condition;Advanced cancer patients accompanied by cachexia or severe malnutrition require special caution.Patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy in the initial cycle or those experiencing complications such as severe infections and kidney problems should also consider delaying the fast.This decision is based not only on the stage of the disease, but on the body's resistance and the general condition of the clinic, "not only because of the stage, but also because of the condition and resistance of the clinic," said Tomo.
Risks of forcing patients to fast include dehydration, hypoglycemia, electrolyte loss, and rapid weight loss.Severe fatigue and kidney failure can also occur in certain conditions.In some cases, these conditions can cause delays in treatment cycles, Tomo said.Delaying treatment can affect the overall outcome of cancer treatment."In some cases, this can affect the outcome of the treatment," he said.
However, patients with a stable condition still have the opportunity to fast under medical supervision.Tomo offers a pre-Ramadan clinical evaluation and consultation to prepare the medication schedule.Minimum fluid intake between fasting and sahur is 1.5-2 liters if conditions allow with high calorie and protein foods.Occasional fasting is permitted."Fasting is a very honorable act of worship, but it is part of religion to protect health and protect the soul," he concluded.
Avtor: Tria Andriani
