P038 - FASTING DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH RADIOTHERAPY WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF THE END OF TREATMENT

P038

FASTING DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADAN IN PATIENTS TREATED WITH RADIOTHERAPY WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF THE END OF TREATMENT

S. Harbaj1, I. LAHLALI1, R. CHAKIR1, B. AGDI1, K. NOUNI1, A. LACHGAR1, H. EL KACEMI1, T. KEBDANI1,*, K. HASSOUNI1

1Radiotherapy, National Institut of Oncology , Rabat, Morocco

 

Rationale: The month of Ramadan is a special time when many patients wish to observe fasting, even after heavy medical treatment.

The aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate fasting tolerance in patients who completed radiotherapy less than three months ago, in order to adapt medical support to their spiritual and physical needs.

Methods:  

This is a descriptive observational study including 100 patients who received radiotherapy in the radiotherapy department of the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat, within three months of the end of treatment. Participants were evaluated during the month of Ramadan to study the practice of fasting and analyze its clinical tolerance. Data was collected using a pre-established questionnaire.

Results: Of the 100 patients included in the study, 73% were female and 27% male. Tumor localizations were breast cancer (49%), ENT cancers (21%), cervical cancer (17%) and prostate cancer (13%).

Of these patients, 68% observed fasting during the month of Ramadan. Tolerance to fasting was generally satisfactory: 80% of fasters presented no significant symptoms. The most frequently reported side effects were moderate fatigue (25%), headache (10%) and mild dehydration (7%). No serious complications or deterioration in clinical condition were observed.

The remaining 32% of patients preferred not to fast, 76% on medical advice and 24% for fear of worsening their general condition.

Conclusion: Fasting during the month of Ramadan appears to be generally well tolerated in patients who have recently completed radiotherapy. However, prior medical assessment is essential to ensure that fasting is risk-free and adapted to each patient's state of health.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared