BBC Presenter Maryam Moshiri Discusses Early Diagnosis of Incurable Cancer

BBC news presenter Maryam Moshiri has shared that she was fortunate her general practitioner identified her incurable cancer early during routine blood tests. Moshiri, who joined the BBC in 2003, was diagnosed with polycythaemia vera (PV) in November 2024, a rare cancer that leads to the excessive production of red blood cells, causing the blood to thicken. This condition, while incurable, is managed as a chronic illness rather than a rapidly progressive one. At 49 years old, Moshiri described the treatment for her condition as challenging, with side effects including insomnia, headaches, and intense itching. She emphasized the importance of early detection, stating she was 'very lucky' her GP noticed abnormalities in her blood tests. Following her diagnosis, she was referred to a haematology and oncology department in London, where she received her diagnosis. Moshiri noted that she did not exhibit many symptoms, attributing her fatigue and headaches to perimenopause. Despite her diagnosis, she continued to work, including covering significant events such as Pope Francis's death in April 2025. Moshiri began immunotherapy treatment at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS trust, which reduced the frequency of blood draws. She experienced debilitating side effects but later switched to a different medication with more manageable effects. Moshiri is now supporting a campaign by Blood Cancer UK that raises awareness of the impact of polycythaemia vera. As of 2023, approximately 15,000 individuals in the UK are living with this condition, which typically develops later in life. The average survival rate varies based on age at diagnosis, with younger patients having a better prognosis. Moshiri's colleague, DJ David Hamilton, also shared his experience with polycythaemia vera, highlighting the importance of perspective in dealing with a cancer diagnosis.