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Tragedy strikes as Paloma Shemirani rejects life-saving cancer treatment
Paloma Shemirani, a 23-year-old Cambridge graduate, died in 2024 after refusing chemotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a decision her brothers attribute to their mother's deep-rooted anti-medicine conspiracy theories. Medical experts warn such beliefs are gaining traction, putting vulnerable individuals at risk.
Family's struggle with conspiracy theories
Paloma and her twin brother Gabriel grew up in Uckfield, Sussex, surrounded by conspiracy theories propagated by their parents. Their mother, Kate Shemirani, a former nurse struck off for spreading COVID-19 misinformation, and their father, Faramarz Shemirani, exposed the children to fringe ideas from an early age.
Gabriel recalls their childhood being dominated by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was staged and 9/11 was an "inside job." The brothers say their mother's beliefs escalated after her 2012 breast cancer diagnosis, which she attributed to alternative therapies like juices and coffee enemas rather than surgery.
"As a young child, you trust your parents. So you see that as a truth," Gabriel told the BBC.
Paloma's diagnosis and refusal of treatment
In late 2023, Paloma began experiencing chest pains and breathing difficulties. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December, doctors assured her an 80% survival rate with chemotherapy. However, she opted for Gerson therapy-a controversial alternative treatment involving strict diets, juices, and coffee enemas-after consulting her mother and Patrick Vickers, an alternative health practitioner.
Vickers, who had a close relationship with Paloma, dismissed the 80% survival claim as "exaggerated" and encouraged her to try Gerson therapy first. Cancer Research UK warns the therapy can cause severe side effects, including dehydration and bowel inflammation.
Messages shared with the BBC reveal Paloma's internal conflict. She described her mother's behavior as "toxic and abusive" in texts to her then-boyfriend, Ander Harris, yet still sought her support after the diagnosis. Kate Shemirani's influence was evident during Paloma's hospital stay, where she texted Harris urging him to prevent Paloma from consenting to chemotherapy.
Social media's role in spreading misinformation
Kate Shemirani, who brands herself as "The Natural Nurse," has amassed a significant following online, promoting unproven health theories and selling alternative treatments. After being reinstated on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, her content has reached millions, with recent videos garnering over 4.5 million views in six months.
Dr. Tom Roques, vice-president of the Royal College of Radiologists, expressed concern about the growing acceptance of such theories, citing figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has previously linked vaccines to autism. "The risk is that more harmful alternative treatments are becoming mainstream," he said.
TikTok has since banned Shemirani's account for violating medical misinformation policies, while Meta (Facebook and Instagram) states it does not allow harmful medical misinformation. X did not respond to inquiries.
Paloma's final months and legacy
Paloma's health deteriorated rapidly under Gerson therapy. Friends noticed her condition worsening, with one recalling her mother's claim that a new lump in her armpit meant the cancer was "leaving her body." By March 2024, Paloma had ended her relationship with Harris, and her brothers grew increasingly alarmed by her isolation.
Gabriel attempted legal action to assess her treatment options, but the case was cut short when Paloma died in July 2024 from a heart attack caused by her tumor. Her life support was withdrawn after several days in the hospital.
"I wasn't able to stop my sister from dying. But it would mean the world to me if I could make it that she wasn't just another in a long line of people that die in this way," Gabriel said.
An inquest into Paloma's death is scheduled for next month. Meanwhile, Kate Shemirani continues to promote unfounded theories about her daughter's death, alleging medical malpractice and a cover-up-claims the BBC has found no evidence to support.
A warning to others
Paloma's story underscores the dangers of medical misinformation, particularly when amplified by social media. Her brothers hope sharing her experience will prevent similar tragedies.
"My sister has passed away as a direct consequence of my mum's actions and beliefs, and I don't want anyone else to go through the same pain," Sebastian said.
