Maryam Moshiri reveals polycythaemia vera diagnosis, raises awareness for blood cancer

Maryam Moshiri, the BBC’s well‑known news anchor, announced that she has blood cancer. She revealed the diagnosis in a BBC Health interview on 15 September 2024. The 49‑year‑old said she was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera (PV) in November 2024 and that she wants to use her platform to raise awareness about the disease.

Polycythaemia vera is a rare, chronic blood cancer that causes the body to make too many red blood cells. The extra cells thicken the blood and increase the risk of clots, which can lead to strokes, heart attacks or deep‑vein thrombosis. Symptoms are often subtle, including headaches, dizziness and blurred vision, and many people do not notice anything until a routine blood test flags an abnormality. Moshiri said her general practitioner was quick to investigate her routine tests, which led to her diagnosis.

Moshiri’s treatment began with frequent venesections – a procedure where blood is drawn from a vein to reduce thickness. She had seven or eight sessions in the first five months, which lowered her iron levels and left her exhausted, hair‑losing and itchy. After this, she started interferon immunotherapy through the NHS. The switch reduced the need for further venesections; she has only required one in the past 15 months. She reports feeling better, describing her current state as “relatively healthy” and noting that the last two months have been better than the previous two years.

Moshiri’s openness highlights the importance of early detection and regular blood checks. PV can progress to myelofibrosis or, rarely, to acute myeloid leukaemia. Her story may encourage viewers to seek medical advice for unexplained symptoms. As a mother of three, she shows that life can continue with the right treatment and support. The BBC’s coverage brings the condition into public conversation, potentially saving lives through earlier diagnosis.