BBC news presenter Maryam Moshiri, 49, has shared details of her diagnosis with polycythaemia vera (PV), a rare and incurable blood cancer, received in November 2024. She was 'lucky' her GP caught the condition early during routine blood tests, noticing elevated red blood cell counts. While PV cannot be cured, it is typically managed as a chronic condition. Ms. Moshiri continued to work throughout her diagnosis and treatment, which initially involved monthly blood draws to reduce red blood cell concentration, causing fatigue and sickness. She later began immunotherapy treatment, reducing the need for blood removal.
Ms. Moshiri described her initial symptoms as tiredness and headaches, which she initially attributed to perimenopause. The cancer causes bone marrow to continuously create red blood cells, thickening the blood and increasing the risk of clots, heart attacks, and strokes if untreated. She has continued to work, including covering the Pope’s death and subsequent conclave in April 2025 while undergoing treatment. She clarified that she does not want her diagnosis to affect her work, stating, 'a big part of this disease is having to get on with life.'
Left and right-leaning outlets both reported on Ms. Moshiri's diagnosis and her decision to continue working despite the illness, focusing on the early detection afforded by routine medical care.
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