Symptoms of bile duct cancer explained after TikTok star Sydney Towle dies aged 26

TikTok influencer Sydney Towle has died aged 26 after a three-year battle with an aggressive form of cancer.

Sydney, who was diagnosed with bile duct cancer at the age of 23, documented her life living with the awful disease on social media.

Her family announced earlier today (August 6) that she'd died on Wednesday (August 5).

“We will always love you so much Sydney,” a caption to the social media post read. “I am so proud of how hard you fought. I love you.”

Sydney's brother, Austin Towle, posted a photograph of his sibling smiling and posing on a mountain peak.

He alongside the photograph: "Rest in Peace Sydney Elizabeth Towle. November 15th 1999-August 5th 2026.

"An endless ray of sunshine. A daughter, sister, and friend to so many."

Sydney Towle died earlier this week (TikTok/@austin_towle)

The same photo was posted to Sydney's account and included a video of Austin and Sydney's mother sharing a few words.

Austin said: "Hi everybody, we just wanted to let you know that Syd went peacefully last night after an almost three year long battle with Cholangiocarcinoma.

"She fought really hard and we're so proud of her and we thank you for your support over the years."

While the TikToker's mom added: "We love you an thank you for all your kind messages of support and love. We really appreciate it.

"She will not be forgotten."

While bile duct cancer can occur at any age, Mayo Clinic explains that its most common in individuals over the age of 50.

Doctors divide the cancer into three different types, intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, hilar cholangiocarcinoma, distal cholangiocarcinoma. This divide is based on where the cancer occurs.

Sydney was diagnosed with cancer aged 23 (TikTok/@sydtowle)

According to Mayo Clinic, symptoms of bile duct cancer include:

• Yellowing of your skin and the whites of your eyes
• Intensely itchy skin
• White-colored stools
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain on the right side, just below the ribs
• Losing weight without trying
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Dark urine

Bile duct cancer is often referred to as the 'silent killer' because it can grow inside the body without any obvious symptoms.

Meanwhile, Mayo Clinic explains that the type of cancer is typically diagnosed when it's advanced, which means 'successful treatment [is] difficult to achieve'.

In May, Sydney appeared at Miami Swim Week where she modelled a specially designed swimsuit tailored for her surgical scars.

Speaking of the 'proud' moment in a TikTok video, Sydney explained: “People always ask why I’m so positive?

"Why would I not envision the best-case scenario?

“Miracles happen every day. Nobody knows for sure what’s going to happen.”

Her last TikTok video was uploaded on July 29, where she expressed her delight at her favorite band, Royal Otis, dedicating a track to her in a recent gig.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year