BBC News anchor Maryam Moshiri has announced she is living with polycythaemia vera, a rare and incurable blood cancer, to raise awareness about the condition.

BBC News chief presenter Maryam Moshiri has disclosed that she was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera (PV) in November 2024. The 49-year-old anchor, who has been with the BBC since 2003, shared her diagnosis to raise awareness about the disease. Moshiri stated that while the condition is incurable, it is manageable with the right treatment, allowing her to continue her professional work while adjusting to the realities of living with a chronic illness.

Understanding Polycythaemia Vera

Polycythaemia vera is a rare blood cancer that causes the body to produce an excess of red blood cells, resulting in thicker blood. This condition increases the risk of serious health complications, including heart attacks, strokes, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Moshiri noted that she initially experienced few symptoms, and her diagnosis was only discovered through routine blood tests conducted by her GP.

Treatment and Daily Impact

Moshiri’s initial treatment involved multiple sessions of venesection, a procedure to draw blood and reduce its thickness. She described these sessions as debilitating, noting that they caused extreme fatigue and other side effects. She has since transitioned to an immunotherapy treatment called interferon, which she says has significantly improved her quality of life over the last 15 months. Despite the progress, she continues to manage profound fatigue that affects her daily life and family activities.

Public Awareness and Support

Helen Rowntree, chief executive of Blood Cancer UK, praised Moshiri for sharing her story, noting that such openness helps address the silence surrounding the disease. Blood cancer is the UK's fifth most common cancer and third biggest cancer killer. Moshiri credits her husband, her three children, and her BBC colleagues for their support as she continues to balance her career with ongoing medical management.