Brothers claim tragic loss of sister due to mother's unfounded cancer theories.

"Our sister passed away from cancer due to our mum's conspiracy theories" Published 23 June 2025 Image source: BBC/Getty Images Marianna Spring Social media investigations correspondent Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani observed with concern as their mother Kate gained notoriety during the pandemic, eventually being removed as a nurse for spreading misinformation about Covid-19. Then, their sister Paloma was diagnosed with cancer. Doctors informed her that chemotherapy offered a high chance of survival. However, in 2024, seven months later, she tragically passed away - declining the treatment. The brothers hold their mother's anti-medicine conspiracy beliefs responsible for Paloma's untimely death at 23 - as cancer specialists tell BBC Panorama that these ideas are becoming more prevalent in society. Kate Shemirani has not directly responded to the accusations made, but publicly blamed the NHS for her daughter's demise. Gabriel and Sebastian reached out to me regarding Paloma in the hopes of preventing future tragedies. They believe that social media platforms should take a stronger stance against medical misinformation, which the BBC has found to be prevalent on various major websites. The brothers expressed, "I wasn't able to prevent my sister's passing. However, I hope to raise awareness so that she doesn't become just another victim of this misinformation," says Gabriel. For Panorama and BBC Radio 4's "Marianna in Conspiracyland 2" podcast, I delved into how this young Cambridge graduate came to reject potential life-saving treatment, following her online interactions and interviews with those close to her. It has become increasingly challenging to combat medical misinformation due to influential figures like Robert F Kennedy Jr, who have expressed unscientific beliefs as stated by Dr Tom Roques, vice-president of the Royal College of Radiologists. He suggests that the promotion of false treatment methods can lead to harmful consequences. Paloma and her twin Gabriel, alongside Sebastian and their younger sister, were exposed to conspiracy theories in their childhood home in Uckfield, according to her brothers. These beliefs were perpetuated by their father and later embraced by their mother. Paloma seemed to be distancing herself from her mother's beliefs while studying at Cambridge, but maintained contact even as her health deteriorated. Following her cancer diagnosis, Paloma opted for alternative therapies over chemotherapy, influenced by her mother and other sources. Despite efforts from friends and medical staff, Paloma decided against traditional treatment methods, resulting in her tragic passing. The Shemirani family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of embracing anti-medicine conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories, Cancer, Friends, Family, Loss, Tragedy