Zahra Khan — the passionate baker behind If You Like Cheese (formerly No-Nonsense Cheesecake) and a fearless breast cancer awareness advocate known as @heybreastie on Instagram — has sadly passed away after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer.
Her passing was confirmed by her family after news circulated that she had been placed on a ventilator earlier in the week. Zahra’s story touched thousands across South Asia and beyond, as she openly documented her journey with terminal illness, sharing the raw, emotional, and often painful realities of living with cancer.
Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, Zahra’s cancer later returned in 2024 and progressed to Stage IV triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) — one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. Despite this, she continued to be a voice of hope, courage, and resilience, using her platform to raise awareness about early detection, women’s health, and breaking the stigma around cancer.
Through her deeply personal Instagram posts and honest storytelling, Zahra connected with young women, survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals. Her transparency about undergoing chemotherapy, double mastectomy, radiation, and living with chronic pain made her a powerful advocate for terminal illness awareness in South Asia.
In the midst of treatments, Zahra never stopped baking. Her brand, If You Like Cheese, became a symbol of strength, creativity, and love. Her home kitchen wasn’t just where desserts were made — it was where hope was baked into every slice.
A Community Mourns: Tributes Pour In
Following her passing, social media has been flooded with heartfelt tributes. Friends, fans, and members of the food and wellness community paid homage to Zahra’s legacy, remembering her authenticity, kindness, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Beloved Instagram comedian Swinery shared an emotional message:
“Thank you for praying guys. Our friend Zahra has passed on, surrounded by the deep love we all have for her… Zahra was always a star and now she shines in every laugh and every moment she was a part of.”
“Seventeen years is a long time to know someone, but it is brutally short when you realize that’s all the time you’ll ever have with them.”
Comments on Zahra’s final post are filled with prayers, love, and gratitude. One follower wrote:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Deeply saddened by the loss of such a brave soul. May she find peace and eternal comfort in Jannah.”