Cancer is not a topic often mentioned on the minbar, but one that affects families worldwide, regardless of background, faith, ethnicity, or social status. A coworker, classmate, neighbor, friend, or family member may be suffering in silence or may not even be aware that they are ill. Cancer can creep in quietly, staging a slow ambush, or it can strike with relentless force. Its toll often shows in subtle ways: weight changes, hair loss (sometimes hidden under a hijab), mood swings, fatigue, or a growing reluctance to socialize or engage in once-beloved activities. Unless someone chooses to disclose their diagnosis, which is rare, the struggle remains invisible. That familiar face you once saw regularly in the masjid or in a class may gradually disappear. You might not notice, or you may assume they have moved on with life. Yet behind closed doors, often in isolation, a person with cancer clings to both life and hope.
Marleny Vargas, a mother of four and wife of an Imam in Pennsylvania, first noticed something was amiss when she felt a lump in each of her breasts. At 41, she initially attributed the changes to normal hormonal fluctuations, but when the lumps persisted through two menstrual cycles, she scheduled a routine checkup with her doctor. The wait for the appointment was long, but once seen, her physician immediately prioritized further testing, given Marleny’s age and the presence of the lumps. She had never had a mammogram, but her doctor assured her that once a woman reaches her forties, it is a good idea to start having them regularly.
The American Cancer Society recommends women between the ages of 40 and 44 who are at average risk for breast cancer, or those who do not have a personal history, family history, or genetic mutation that increases the risk, have the option to start annual screenings1. For women 45 and older, mammograms, or low-dose X-rays of the breast, are recommended annually until the age of 55, after which they have the option to switch to biennial screenings. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer based on specific criteria should get a breast MRI and a mammogram every year, starting at age 30. Consulting a primary care physician with any questions related to breast health and family history is crucial for determining the next steps.
A Test of Faith
Marleny’s journey through diagnosis was swift but emotionally taxing. After her first-ever mammogram, she was sent for an ultrasound and a second mammogram on the same day. The results were inconclusive, and a biopsy was ordered. The waiting period for the biopsy results was, as Marleny describes, “the worst part,” filled with uncertainty and anxiety. When the results finally came, she initially misread them as negative for cancer, but a follow-up appointment revealed the true diagnosis: triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form with limited treatment options.
“Breaking the news to my family was the hardest thing for me,” Marleny recalled. Her diagnosis came the same day her father-in-law was cleared of his own cancer after a long period of treatment. She gathered her strength and told her husband to call a family meeting with their four children, including their son, who joined via FaceTime from a different state. The breast cancer diagnosis marked the beginning of a challenging journey for the entire family, but it also brought them closer together.
Treatment began with two rounds of chemotherapy, followed by surgery and immunotherapy. The first round of chemo was tolerable, but the second, doxorubicin, known as “the red devil,” brought the severe side effects often associated with cancer: hair loss, loss of appetite, stomach problems, neuropathy, and extreme fatigue. Marleny described in detail how the chemo affected her daily life, mental clarity, sense of time, and even her worship. She said, “Chemo is very difficult, but I mean, at the same time, I don't have any regrets, because the end results are that I'm here, you know, and I'm living, living life.” Despite the hardships, Marleny faced each step with resilience, supported by her faith and the love of her family. Now she is here to tell her story.
We often see a quote plastered on social media posts: “Everyone is going through something you don't see, so be kind." But I have personally wondered if people really take heed of the advice they so readily share. Marleny explained that her cancer diagnosis and grueling treatment helped her truly see the world through the eyes of compassion. She said, “Going through this opened my eyes. It was something necessary I had to go through… It made me very, I guess, sympathetic or empathetic towards people and their struggles.”
Spiritually, the experience was transformative. Marleny found herself humbled by her illness, gaining empathy for others and a deeper appreciation for life’s blessings. She reflected on the importance of not judging people and recognized the value of humor and lightness, even in the darkest times. Before her diagnosis, she was not a fan of comedy or superficial entertainment. Now she has a different way of thinking. She says she understands these things are necessary to take the edge off the difficulties that one may encounter in life. There can be healing in humor, beauty in the trivial, and sometimes we need to find happiness in the little things. Above all, her faith provided comfort and perspective, helping her accept her journey as part of a greater plan. She said, “Some people try to go the negative route, and I don't do that. I'm a true believer that everything happens for a reason.”
From One Mother to Another
To other mothers and women in general, Marleny’s first advice is clear and urgent: prioritize your health. She emphasizes the importance of regular checkups and self-care, drawing parallels to the airplane safety rule of putting on your own oxygen mask first before helping others. She urges women not to neglect their own well-being, as it is vital for the health and happiness of their families. She also encourages us to strengthen our relationships with those whom we love. She advised, “If you love somebody, tell them… don't waste your time.”
Marleny’s story is a moving reminder that early detection can save lives, insha’Allah, and that facing challenges with faith, honesty, and self-compassion can lead to personal growth and healing. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Verily, when the Muslim falls ill, Allah Almighty inspires the angels, saying: O angels, I have detained My servant with My confinement. If I take his soul, he will be forgiven. If I heal his body, he will be forgiven as if he had no sins.” (Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir lil-Ṭabarani 7701)
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-early-detection/american-cancer-society-recommendations-for-the-early-detection-of-breast-cancer.html
Bio:
Wendy Díaz is a Puerto Rican Muslim writer, award-winning poet, translator, former educator, and mother of six (ages ranging from toddler to teen). She is the co-founder of Hablamos Islam, a non-profit organization that produces educational resources about Islam in Spanish (hablamosislam.org). She has written, illustrated, and published over a dozen children’s books and currently lives with her family in Maryland. Follow Wendy Díaz on social media @authorwendydiaz and @hablamosislam.
Add new comment