BBC News Chief Presenter Maryam Moshiri has publicly disclosed that she is living with polycythaemia vera (PV), a rare and incurable form of blood cancer.
Moshiri, 49, revealed that she was diagnosed with the condition in November 2024 following routine blood tests conducted by her general practitioner. She explained that she chose to speak out two years after her initial diagnosis to raise public awareness about the disease and its management.
Polycythaemia vera causes the bone marrow to produce an excess of red blood cells, thickening the blood and increasing the risk of severe complications such as strokes, heart attacks, and deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms often include severe fatigue, severe itching, headaches, and hair loss.
The broadcaster detailed her initial treatment plan, which involved multiple debilitating venesection procedures to draw blood and reduce its thickness, before transitioning to immunotherapy treatments through the UK National Health Service (NHS).
Moshiri, who joined the BBC in 2003, confirmed she is managing the chronic condition with ongoing treatment while continuing her anchor duties on major international assignments.
