47-YEAR-OLD CANCER RESEARCHER DIES FROM DISEASE SHE SPENT HER LIFE TRYING TO CURE.

Dr. Rachna Shroff, a University of Arizona cancer researcher who specialised in pancreatic and bile duct cancers, has d+ed at 47 after battling the disease she spent her career trying to eradicate.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology announced that she “passed away following a battle with an aggressive cancer.”

Shroff, a mother of two, was diagnosed with terminal adenocarcinoma earlier this year after doctors examined a swollen lymph node in May and discovered that the cancer had spread.

Despite her diagnosis, she continued to reflect on her lifelong mission to help patients. Speaking to NBC News, she said, “I’ve spent my entire life trying to eradicate cancer, primarily pancreatic cancer but also liver cancers.”

The researcher, who authored more than 80 publications, also launched a Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award in her name. More than $1.35 million has reportedly been raised for cancer research, which the University of Arizona described as “one of her final wishes.”

The university said, “At the Cancer Center, she built a high-performing gastrointestinal oncology program and, through her expansion of clinical trials in Southern Arizona, worked to ensure patients could access the latest scientific advances.”

Despite her own battle, Shroff lived by the motto, “If you can’t find the sunshine, be the sunshine.”

ASCO paid tribute to her, saying, “Even in the face of her own diagnosis, Dr. Shroff spent her time endeavoring to ‘be the sunshine’ for others.”

She was preparing to celebrate her 20th wedding anniversary with her husband, Dr. Puneet Shroff, and leaves behind their 13-year-old son, Sachin, and 17-year-old daughter, Simran.