Full Breakdown
BBC Presenter Maryam Moshiri Discloses Incurable Blood Cancer
9/7/2026, 12:33:17 AM
Diagnosis and Ongoing Treatment
BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri revealed in an interview with *The Times* that she was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera (PV)—a rare, incurable blood cancer that causes the bone marrow to overproduce red blood cells—in November 2024. The condition thickens the blood and is managed through regular phlebotomy, a process that removes a pint of blood each month to lower red-cell concentration. Moshiri explained that the treatment leaves her exhausted and has required additional immunotherapy at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust, which reduced the volume of blood drawn but introduced side-effects such as insomnia, headaches and intense itching.
Professional Commitment Amid Illness
Despite the demanding regimen, Moshiri has continued presenting on the BBC, including covering the death of Pope Francis in Rome while fatigued from treatment. She described working 14-hour days on live news, noting that the adrenaline of broadcasting helps her push through chronic tiredness. Moshiri emphasized that she does not want the diagnosis to impede her career, stating that a large part of living with PV is “getting on with life.”
Personal Impact and Family Life
Moshiri, a mother of three—children Iris, Vivienne and Caspian (9)—said the most difficult moments are when she cannot participate in everyday activities with her kids. She recounted lying on the sofa while her son asked her to play football, a request she was often too tired to fulfill. The presenter also shared that her children asked whether she would die, highlighting the emotional strain on her family.
Advocacy and Public Response
Moshiri is now supporting Blood Cancer UK’s “Here for This” campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the moments missed by those living with blood cancer. Helen Rowntree, chief executive of the charity, praised Moshiri’s openness, noting that public figures help break the silence surrounding blood cancer, the UK’s fifth most common cancer and third biggest cancer killer. Rowntree called for continued public and government funding to develop kinder, more effective treatments.
Scope of Blood Cancer in the United Kingdom
Blood Cancer UK reports that more than 310,000 people in the UK are living with or in remission from blood cancer, underscoring the broader relevance of Moshiri’s disclosure and advocacy.
