Fitness influencer Cheyann Shaw dies of cancer at 27

‘My heart is broken. I can’t imagine my life without her’

Cheyann Shaw was just 27 years old when she died (Instagram)

Cheyann Shaw, a fitness influencer, has died of cancer at the age of 27.

The social media star was first diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer in 2016 and documented her journey online.

Her death was announced with a family statement shared on Instagram on Monday, saying that she had been “called to heaven”.

The caption began: “With heavy hearts, we are sad to announce that our beautiful girl Cheyann has been called home to heaven.”

Shaw’s mother, Darci Clark, wrote: “My heart is breaking today, our baby girl lost her long battle with ovarian cancer.

“She fought until the bitter end. She is a true warrior and survivor. She will be truly missed and will forever be in my heart.“

Following her diagnosis in 2016, Shaw opened up to People about her illness: “When I was first diagnosed, I was scared, but it went away quickly. I knew that I had no choice but to fight. I wasn’t going to let cancer win.

“I also knew that my husband and family need me and there is no way I am leaving them,” she said.

“So that is when I put my boxing gloves on and got in the ring to knock cancer out.”

Shaw underwent chemotherapy and surgery, which resulted in the removal of her spleen, appendix, uterus and part of her colon.

The fitness star announced a year later that doctors had found “no evidence” of cancer in her body, but in January 2020, she announced that the disease had sadly returned.

On Instagram, Shaw’s family thanked her fans for their support: “Thank you all for your support and encouragement over the years.

“If there’s one thing Cheyann taught us is that no matter what battles we face, we can always find a reason to smile through them.”

On Monday, Shaw’s husband, Kaleb Shaw, shared a heartfelt tribute to his wife on his Instagram page.

“My heart is broken. I can’t imagine my life without her.

"I know she is in a better place away from the pain and suffering that comes with dealing with cancer,” he wrote.

“She is my hero, best friend and inspired not only myself, but thousands of people around the world. Please continue to pray for my family as we go thought this difficult time."

Ovarian cancer mainly affects women who have been through the menopause (usually over the age of 50), but it can sometimes affect younger women.

The illness is the sixth most common form of cancer affecting women in the UK, with 7,000 women diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year.