NHS Doctor Raises Concern Over Conspiracy Theorist Mother's Influence on Daughter's Cancer Treatment Refusal

An inquest has revealed that Paloma Shemirani, a 23-year-old diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, died after refusing chemotherapy treatment that offered an 80% chance of recovery. Her mother, Kate Shemirani, a former nurse known for spreading Covid-19 conspiracy theories and struck off the nursing register, was reported to have expressed concerns about the prescribed treatment, including side effects of steroids and the PET scan. NHS consultant haematologist Arunodaya Mohan testified that although Paloma initially agreed to the treatment plan, she later hesitated and chose to explore other options, with her mother actively influencing decisions and seeking power of attorney over her medical records. Despite inquiries, Paloma maintained she was confident in her own decision to decline treatment, though her brothers suggested their mother’s extreme conspiracy beliefs played a role in Paloma’s refusal. The case highlights the tragic impact of misinformation and conspiracy theories on medical decisions, especially when family members involved promote such views. The inquest took place at Oakwood House in Maidstone, Kent.