Maryam Moshiri: I have incurable blood cancer

Maryam Moshiri, a BBC news presenter, has revealed she has incurable blood cancer and has been undergoing treatment while working as a broadcaster. In an interview, she described the condition as polycythaemia vera (PV), a rare form of cancer affecting bone marrow that makes blood thicker than normal. The disease cannot be cured but can be managed as a chronic condition with treatment.

Ms Moshiri, 49, received the diagnosis in November 2024 and has continued working through her treatment. She presents The World Today and has covered major events including the coronation of the King, the papal conclave, Eurovision, and the war in Iran. She has worked at the public broadcaster since 2003.

The presenter stated that the disease will remain with her until the day she dies and that a major part of it is having to get on with life. She began interferon immunotherapy in London, experiencing horrendous side effects such as insomnia, headaches, and severe itching. After a few months, she switched to a different drug with more manageable side effects. Her treatment also involves having blood extracted to reduce red blood cell concentration.

She expressed her love for her work and stated she does not want blood cancer to stop her. Despite working 14-hour days and dealing with chronic fatigue, the adrenaline rush of live news helps her push through. She also reflected on the difficult times when gruelling treatment left her too tired to play with her children.

The BBC presenter is backing Blood Cancer UK's new campaign, Here for This, which aims to highlight what sufferers miss because of illness. According to Blood Cancer UK statistics, over 310,000 people in Britain are living with or in remission from blood cancer.