BBC broadcaster Lauren Laverne has spoken about the therapeutic benefits of spending time outdoors, describing it as her "therapy" during what she called "tricky times" over the past decade. Her reflections come after revealing she was diagnosed with smouldering myeloma, a rare blood and bone marrow disorder.
This diagnosis follows a battle with cancer, which Laverne publicly announced in August 2024 and for which she received an "all-clear" by November of the same year. She has also navigated the loss of both her parents in the last eight years.
Laverne explained that her garden has become a significant source of comfort. "I mean, I've had a tricky time over the last few years. And so I've spent more and more and more time outside. I think the older I've got, the more I've needed that time outdoors," she stated.
Recalling her experience while hospitalized for cancer treatment, Laverne described the disconnect from the natural world. "I was in hospital when I had cancer for a month. And it was this time of year so I was like looking out onto this heatwave, I was right in this big hospital in London looking out into a big park and I just, I couldn't feel it. I just remember thinking- god you know I've been the same temperature for like weeks and weeks and weeks and the artificial light and everything it's very strange. And so I think when I got home I just wanted to be outside."
Smouldering myeloma is an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder that, in some cases, can progress to blood cancer. Laverne noted that the risk of progression in her specific case is "pretty low." She is currently feeling well and does not require treatment. She indicated that many individuals diagnosed with this condition are unaware they have it, and that cancer survivors like herself are often diagnosed early due to close monitoring.
Laverne emphasized that the smouldering myeloma diagnosis is unrelated to her previous cancer or recent surgery, describing it as an independent health issue. She identified it as a chronic condition with no current cure, which affects her immune system, requiring her to take precautions and undergo regular monitoring through blood tests, MRIs, and bone marrow biopsies.
She shared her personal news openly, hoping that discussing her experiences might help others. "I'm quite a private person by nature but am sharing this as one of the many things I've learned after going through health challenges in recent years is that talking about this stuff helps people," she said.
Laverne acknowledged the emotional toll of her health challenges, especially coming less than two years after her cancer diagnosis. However, she finds strength in the lessons learned from these difficult periods. She expressed gratitude to her family, friends, her BBC 6 Music team, medical professionals, her therapist, and her general practitioner, whom she credits with catching both her recent health issues early.
"Advocate for yourself if you need to and ask to see a haematologist if you are in the same situation," she advised.
Laverne plans to take a short break for a couple of weeks before returning to her work. She expressed a desire to share more about her experiences in the future.