Eid is a special time for many people. It can be full of family, good food, prayer, and celebration. But if you are living with cancer, Eid might feel different this year.
You may feel more tired. You might not feel well enough to join in as much as you would like. Or you may feel sad that things are not the same.
If this sounds like you, you are not alone. The Macmillan Online Community is here to support you.
Cancer can change your routine, whether that is due to having treatment, dealing with side effects, feeling low or worried or simply needing more rest.
Meanwhile, Eid often brings busy days with visitors, festive mealtimes and long celebrations. This can feel like a lot and you may also feel pressure to join in, even when your body needs something different.
It is okay if Eid does not look the same this year and you need to adapt.
“One thing that can really help when balancing Eid celebrations and living with cancer is giving yourself permission to celebrate in a way that works for you. Eid can look different from year to year, and it’s okay to adapt traditions, pace yourself and prioritise rest when needed.
Sometimes the smallest moments, sharing a meal with loved ones, joining prayers online, or simply spending quality time together, can feel just as meaningful. It can also help to lean on family and friends for support and be open about what feels manageable physically and emotionally."
Get Support
The Online Community has supported hundreds of thousands of people affected by cancer.
It is a place where you can be honest about how you feel, ask for support and hear form others with shared experiences.
You can share your experiences and speak to others on our forums, such as the Living with cancer as a South Asian person forum, Religion, spirituality and prayer forum, or find your cancer type forum.
And if you don’t want to post, you are welcome to just read different discussion and explore the community at your own pace.
You may also find it helpful to speak with family, religious community members, or your healthcare team about how you’re feeling this Eid. Support is also available from organisations like Safeena, which offers culturally and faith-informed cancer support, and the British Islamic Medical Association, which provides guidance that brings together faith and medical advice.
We have information and support about navigating Ramadan and cancer in our recent blog and on the Macmillan website.
The Macmillan Cancer Support Line can also offer information and emotional support tailored to people living with cancer.
Eid means different things to different people.
Whenever you are celebrating this week, we invite you to reply to this blog and share:
Your experience could help someone else feel understood.
Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating!
