UK Woman Who Refused Oncology Drugs Was Swayed by Parent, Investigation Determines

A 23-year-old who passed away after rejecting cancer treatment that doctors believed offered a strong chance of survival was negatively influenced by her mother who shared unproven claims, a coroner has declared.

Paloma Shemirani lost her life at age 23 in July 2024 after declining conventional therapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The official overseeing the investigation determined that the influence of her parents contributed more than minimally to her passing.

It seems that if Paloma had been encouraged and guided to acknowledge her diagnosis and considered chemotherapy with an unbiased perspective she likely would have followed that path,

stated the coroner during the hearing. She noted that the mother took a leading role in advising Paloma and arranging access to non-conventional treatments.

Clinical Recommendations and Family Impact

An NHS doctor informed the inquest that she was worried the parent, recognized as an online influencer, had swayed her child's decision to decline oncology care.

A consultant haematologist suggested medication and a PET scan, to which Paloma had indicated approval. At the moment of her identification, medical staff had informed her that chemotherapy offered an 80% probability of recovery.

The doctor explained a phone call with the parent, during which several concerns about the recommended treatment were raised. When asked if the parent was affecting Paloma’s decision, the specialist responded, That’s right.

Later, Paloma declined the treatment. When asked for a explanation, no clear justification was given, the inquest was told.

Individual Decisions and Changing Attitudes

After completing her studies from university, Paloma was working and residing independently and had been estranged from her parent until her illness was identified.

She then went to reside with her mother after discharging from the hospital. The specialist noted a change in Paloma’s outlook after her discharge, saying:

Yes, I was quite concerned because at the time of the stay she had not refused chemotherapy, she was just thinking about it, but after leaving she entirely rejected the treatment which I was quite disheartened about.

History of Online Presence

Using a alternate name, the parent had attained prominence on online platforms while sharing Covid-19 conspiracy theories. She was removed as a healthcare professional in 2021, with a oversight committee finding that she had spread false information that created a serious risk to the community.

In written testimonies, Paloma stated that she had refused conventional treatment partly due to her experience in alternative medicine. She stated that she had consistently relied on her mother for advice, describing her as a qualified nurse and nutritionist.

Paloma told the legal authority she was pleased with the alternative treatment she was pursuing and was sure she would make a full recovery if allowed to continue.

Family Perspectives and Legal Proceedings

Paloma’s sibling stated that his mother had sacrificed his sibling due to personal beliefs. He informed the investigation:

I hold responsible my mother completely for my sister's passing, by obstructing her from receiving treatment.

He added, I am convinced that she sacrificed Paloma’s life for her own principles, I believe that she should be held accountable for Paloma’s death.

Final Events and Critical Action

During the inquest, the mother asserted that her daughter's demise was due to gross negligence by medical staff, stating that her child had declined catastrophically when paramedics intervened.

She said her child had been healthy on the morning she collapsed, appearing healthy and in good colour. After the incident, the parent did not right away contact an emergency service, but phoned a acquaintance instead, who later called paramedics while those present initiated life-saving measures.

On a played emergency call, the parent was heard exclaiming, She’s dying. Despite this, she later told the hearing that everything deteriorated badly after the responders came.

Paloma was transported to a hospital in the city on a ventilator, and loss of brain function was confirmed on 24 July 2024 after a series of nationally advised tests.

In a prepared testimony, the parent accused the investigation of trying to redirect attention from the real cause of Paloma’s death. She stated, Any effort to assign blame on me is incorrect – the individuals who need to be accountable are those who did not manage to confirm diagnosis, gave drugs without her agreement which could have harmed her heart.