Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States.1 Although this serious medical condition can affect anyone, women are at an even greater risk. According to the American Cancer Society, cancers that commonly affect women include breast, lung, colorectal, endometrial, cervical, ovarian, and skin cancers.2 From that list, breast cancer is the most prevalent among women in the US. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, approximately 1 in 8 women in America will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.3 These statistics concern our entire community. The women in our lives, including our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, need our support and encouragement to prioritize their health.
Several factors can influence a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer, including increasing age, physical inactivity, excess weight after menopause, never having a full-term pregnancy, having a first child after age 35, not breastfeeding, and the use of certain hormonal contraceptives or other hormone therapies.4 Some of these factors are beyond a woman’s control, while reversing others may offer opportunities to reduce her risk. Making time for physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and discussing individual risk factors with a healthcare professional can be important steps toward wellness.
Unfortunately, women, especially mothers, often neglect their own needs while caring for their loved ones. They give so much of themselves that they may lose sight of their own well-being. Society expects women to be selfless and to make sacrifices for their families, but meeting those expectations can come at the expense of their overall health. That is why self-care matters. Taking time for ourselves is necessary to preserve our physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual strength. Finding a balance between responsibilities and relaxation can be challenging, but it is essential to caring for ourselves amid life’s many demands.
Self-Care for Moms
First, we must establish something clearly: self-care is not selfish. Taking care of our health should be a top priority, and personal care can include habits that support cancer prevention. Apart from the Creator, no one knows what we experience in our bodies better than we do, so we must pay close attention to changes and seek medical guidance when needed. We can begin taking a more active role in our health by easing into a sustainable self-care routine. The following tips offer some ideas to help us get started.
1. Get regular medical and dental check-ups.
Mothers are often the ones making appointments for everyone else, including their children, parents, and sometimes even their spouses. Their loved ones’ appointments become a priority while their own take a backseat. However, moms need regular check-ups too. Give your health the same attention you give your family, and make time to schedule and attend your own appointments.
2. Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of cancer.
When discussing appropriate cancer screenings with your healthcare provider, learn the warning signs so you know which changes to bring to their attention. An educated patient is an empowered patient. Rather than dismissing a concern or putting it off while caring for everyone else, seek medical guidance. Knowing what to look for and following through on recommended screenings can support early detection.
3. Take time for yourself.
The demands placed on women are unrealistic; they are expected to be productive, look their best, maintain a spotless home, and contribute financially. Many also face discrimination, unequal pay, and limited support. It is especially important to set boundaries and make room for rest and enjoyment. When possible, set aside a few hours for something you want to do. Treat yourself to a favorite beverage or meal, browse a shop, take a walk, or simply enjoy some quiet time. A break does not have to cost money or involve accomplishing anything. Sometimes, time alone is enough to help you relax and feel refreshed. It will also help lower stress, which can contribute to illness.
4. Start an exercise routine that works for you.
For many busy women, myself included, making exercise a habit can be difficult. Sometimes, the hardest part is simply getting started, but it gets easier with time. Begin with something manageable and slowly build a routine. Options include walking, strength training, sports, martial arts, aerobics, yoga, cycling, dance, and more. You can also combine activities you enjoy to keep things interesting. If exercising by yourself feels lonely or makes it harder to stay motivated, invite a friend or family member to join you. Alternatively, if your budget allows, you could hire a personal trainer for guidance and accountability.
5. Make time for loved ones.
Friends and family members who have faced cancer often tell me the same thing; they wish they had more time with the people they love. Do not wait until it is too late. Make room for connection now, whether through a visit, a shared meal, a phone call, or a few uninterrupted minutes together. Time with loved ones can offer comfort, affection, and companionship.
6. Follow religious guidance on food intake.
Our religious tradition offers guidance for caring for our bodies. Allah tells us in the Quran to eat what is halal and tayyib, lawful and wholesome (2:168). Put this guidance into practice by choosing a variety of nourishing, whole foods and drinking enough water throughout the day. Avoid overeating and overindulging in harmful fatty, sugary, or processed foods. We can also learn about foods mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah, including honey, black seed, dates, and vinegar, and incorporate them into our diets as appropriate for our individual health needs.
7. Build a spiritual routine.
Strengthening our relationship with Allah through prayer, reading the Quran, dua, and fasting, can help us face challenges with patience and hope, whether health-related or otherwise. In the Quran, Prophet Ibrahim says, “And He ˹alone˺ heals me when I am sick” (26:80). Allah also describes the Quran as healing and mercy for believers (17:82) and commands us to seek help through patience and prayer (2:45). Begin with small, consistent practices that fit into your daily life. These moments of worship can offer comfort and remind us that we do not face our struggles alone.
Cancer, in its many forms, impacts so many lives that most of us encounter it either directly or indirectly. Even if we are never diagnosed, someone we know or love could be affected. Many of us already have friends or family members living with this disease. I have personally watched loved ones battle cancer and recently lost both friends and family members to its devastating grip. These experiences remind me how important it is to encourage preventive care and support the women and mothers in our communities in making time to care for themselves. The tips I have shared cannot guarantee that we will avoid cancer or other illnesses, but they can support our overall well-being and may help lower certain health risks. Ultimately, caring for our health is a way to show gratitude to Allah for the life He has given us, and we put our trust in Him to provide the healing we need.
- https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/understanding-cancer-risk/cancer-facts/cancer-facts-for-women.html
- https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-facts/
- https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/risk-and-prevention/lifestyle-related-breast-cancer-risk-factors.html
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