Influencer Rachel yaffle's journey: TikTok, cancer, courage
American social media is in mourning due to news from the family of Rachel Yaffe, a TikToker who bravely battled a rare liver cancer for seven years. Her loved ones have announced that her fight against cancer has finally come to an end.
16 October 2024 13:31
Cancer can affect anyone. While it may seem like a cliché, every year, 19-20 million people globally discover that this deadly intruder has taken hold in their bodies. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2040, this number could rise to 30 million annually. Many people avoid screenings, fearing that doctors might uncover something sinister. However, the true enemy is not the diagnosis itself but the disease within. Sometimes, despite years of treatment and numerous surgeries, cancer prevails. Such situations occur regardless of the victim's age, gender, religion or financial status.
American TikToker lost her battle with a rare cancer
Rachel Yaffe was a 27-year-old American whose TikTok content primarily revolved around her treatment for a rare cancer known as fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, a disease that largely affects young, healthy individuals. Each year, approximately 200 people worldwide receive this diagnosis. Rachel learned about her condition at the age of 20. In her videos, she shared how she visited the doctor because something felt "not right." Upon noticing her concern, her doctor referred her to an oncologist, who discovered the cause of her discomfort: a tumour measuring about 20 centimetres on her liver. Further tests confirmed it was fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.
Rachel Yaffe fought courageously for seven years to overcome the malignant cancer. During her treatment, the illness progressed to stage IV – the most severe and typically incurable stage. Despite surgeries to remove the tumour, cancer cells returned, affecting her liver and lungs.
A meat diet was supposed to save the patient
The TikToker placed great emphasis on healthy eating. Her account was filled with recipes and unboxing videos from local farmers' markets. One of the significant changes in Rachel Yaffe's life was her transition from veganism to a keto-carnivore diet.
In a video, she explained: "For a long time, I followed a plant-based vegan diet. After reassessing blood test results with my new doctors, we found deficiencies in some essential nutrients that I needed from proteins and fats. So, I started leaning towards a keto-carnivore diet, which is quite new to me."
TikToker lost her battle with cancer
During her fight with the disease, Rachel underwent several life-saving surgeries and was even intubated. Doctors attempted treatments including radiation therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and proton therapy. Despite these efforts, she weakened daily. Her last video, posted on 1st September 2024, mentioned that she had lost considerable strength due to radiation therapy. Still, she was trying not to lose hope and to keep moving, taking advantage of living in the bustling city of New York. Rachel added she was continuing with her diet to support her body in the fight against cancer. "I have a very low appetite, so it’s physically and mentally challenging, but I'm focusing on small joys. Prioritising my mental health is also crucial for me," she summarised.
On 11th October 2024, Rachel Yaffe's family published an obituary announcing the passing of the courageous influencer. The announcement stated: "She leaves behind her devoted parents, Linda (née Bass) and Wayne Yaffe; her beloved brother and sister, Jordan Yaffe and Jessica Yaffe; her dear grandmother, Sydney Bass; and her cherished dog, Layla."
