BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri reveals she has incurable cancer

BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri, a 49-year-old mother of three, has been diagnosed with polycythaemia vera (PV), a rare condition in which bone marrow produces too many red blood cells. The rare condition causes blood to become unusually thick, potentially leading to blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes if left untreated. While there is currently no cure, the condition can typically be managed as a chronic illness.

Moshiri discovered she had the condition after a blood test linked to the menopause. Initially, she had more than a pint of blood taken from her body every month to reduce red blood cell concentration, a treatment that left her sick and exhausted. Despite chronic fatigue, she flew to Rome to cover the death of the Pope, working 14-hour days while constantly on air.

After returning from Rome, she began immunotherapy treatment with interferon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London. The drug reduced the blood drawing required but brought debilitating side effects, including insomnia, headaches, and intense itching. She later switched to a different drug with more manageable side effects, adjusting to a new lifestyle dominated by hospital appointments and medication.

Moshiri opened up about the impact of her illness on her three children—Iris, Vivienne, and Caspian—and is now supporting Blood Cancer UK’s Here for This campaign. A popular presenter with BBC viewers, Moshiri is also known for several on-air mishaps, including accidentally giving the middle finger to the camera during a live broadcast in December 2023.