BBC news presenter Maryam Moshiri has revealed that she was diagnosed with an incurable blood cancer, polycythaemia vera (PV), in November 2024. Moshiri, 49, described her diagnosis as a "lucky" early catch during routine blood tests, which she believes prevented more severe health complications.
Polycythaemia vera is a rare condition where the bone marrow produces an excessive number of red blood cells, causing the blood to thicken. While it cannot be cured, it can be managed as a chronic illness. Untreated, it can lead to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes.
Moshiri shared that her general practitioner noticed an unusually high red blood cell count during a routine blood test. She was subsequently referred to a hospital's hematology and oncology department, where she received her diagnosis. She noted that she had few overt symptoms at the time, attributing her fatigue and headaches to perimenopause. "I was very lucky that my GP caught it early, because to be honest with you, I didn't have that many symptoms," she stated.
Despite her diagnosis, Moshiri continued to work, including covering significant events such as the death of Pope Francis and the subsequent conclave in April 2025. During this period, she underwent a procedure to remove excess blood to manage her condition, which often left her feeling sick and exhausted. She worked long hours, managing the demands of live television while dealing with chronic tiredness.
She later began immunotherapy treatment with interferon, which reduced the need for blood removal and lessened some side effects. However, she experienced debilitating symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, and intense itching. "During my worst times when I was going through really quite grueling treatment, I wasn't there for my kids," Moshiri recounted. "I'd be lying on the sofa, and my son would say, 'mummy, can you come play football with me in the garden?' And you just can't. You're too tired."
Following a switch to a different medication with more manageable side effects, Moshiri has had to adapt to a lifestyle that includes regular hospital appointments and medication. She is now supporting a campaign by Blood Cancer UK called "Here for This," which aims to raise awareness about the moments missed by individuals living with the condition.
As of 2023, approximately 15,000 people in the UK live with polycythaemia vera. The condition most often affects individuals later in life, with the average age of diagnosis around 60. The average survival rate for those diagnosed over 60 is 14 years, extending to 24 years for those diagnosed under 60. Another BBC colleague, DJ David Hamilton, has also been diagnosed with PV. Moshiri's experience highlights the importance of routine medical check-ups for early detection of serious conditions, even in the absence of pronounced symptoms.