BBC Presenter Maryam Moshiri Opens Up About Living With a Chronic Blood Cancer

BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri has spoken publicly about living with Polycythaemia vera, a rare blood disorder that she discovered after undergoing a routine blood test connected with the menopause.

The 49-year-old presenter has revealed that she has been receiving treatment for the condition for around two years. Although the diagnosis has been described as incurable, doctors have explained that Polycythaemia vera can be managed as a chronic condition. For Moshiri, however, the diagnosis has brought significant challenges, particularly because of the fatigue associated with both the illness and its treatment.

Her experience has also highlighted how a long-term medical condition can affect everyday family life, even when someone continues working and appears healthy to those around them.

A diagnosis discovered through a blood test

Moshiri's diagnosis came after a blood test carried out in connection with the menopause. The results eventually led doctors to identify Polycythaemia vera, a disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many red blood cells.

The condition is relatively uncommon. According to the information reported about Moshiri's experience, around 15,000 people in the UK are living with Polycythaemia vera.

Because the condition involves an increased number of red blood cells, it can increase the risk of serious complications if it is not properly managed. These can include blood clots, strokes and heart attacks.

Moshiri's story demonstrates why blood tests can sometimes uncover medical issues that might otherwise remain unnoticed. In her case, the diagnosis followed a test that was being undertaken for another reason.

Living with an incurable but manageable condition

The word "incurable" can understandably sound frightening. However, Polycythaemia vera is described in the report as a chronic condition that can be managed rather than an illness that necessarily causes rapid deterioration.

Moshiri has been undergoing immunotherapy since her diagnosis. Despite treatment, she has experienced considerable tiredness and fatigue.

That fatigue has affected some of the most ordinary moments of family life. Speaking about the difficult periods during treatment, Moshiri described times when she was simply too exhausted to take part in activities with her children.

For a parent, those moments can be particularly difficult. Everyday requests from children, such as playing outside or spending time together, can feel impossible when treatment leaves someone without enough energy.

Her comments provide an insight into an aspect of chronic illness that is not always immediately visible. Someone can continue working, attending events and carrying out professional responsibilities while privately dealing with exhaustion and other effects of treatment.

Continuing her career despite the diagnosis

Moshiri has also continued working in broadcasting. Her career requires concentration, quick thinking and the ability to remain composed while presenting live news.

Despite living with chronic fatigue, she continued to take on demanding professional responsibilities. The report notes that she covered the death of Pope Francis and the following conclave in April 2025, shortly after her diagnosis.

Moshiri described working extremely long days while remaining on air and having to think quickly. Her account shows the contrast between what viewers see and what may be happening behind the scenes.

A television presenter appearing confident and energetic on screen does not necessarily mean that they are unaffected by illness. Chronic conditions can involve symptoms that fluctuate and may not be obvious to other people.

This is one reason personal stories from public figures can be significant. They can help demonstrate that illness does not always fit the image people expect.

The impact on family life

One of the most emotional aspects of Moshiri's account concerns the effect her treatment has had on her children.

She explained that during the most difficult periods, she was not always able to be present for them in the way she wanted. Severe tiredness meant that even simple activities could become difficult.

This highlights the broader impact of chronic illness. A diagnosis does not affect only the person receiving treatment. It can also influence relationships, routines, work and family responsibilities.

For families, adjusting to a long-term condition can involve learning to balance medical appointments and treatment with ordinary life. There may also be an emotional burden when someone is physically unable to participate in activities they would normally enjoy.

Moshiri's experience shows that these challenges can exist alongside a successful career and a busy public life.

A relatively young patient

Moshiri was diagnosed at 49, which makes her younger than the typical person diagnosed with Polycythaemia vera.

The information reported about the condition states that the average age at diagnosis is around 60. The report also gives survival estimates that vary according to age, noting that people diagnosed after the age of 60 can typically survive for another 14 years, while those diagnosed under 60 can survive for another 24 years.

These figures illustrate why Polycythaemia vera should not simply be viewed through the lens of an immediate health crisis. It can be a long-term condition that requires ongoing management.

At the same time, individual experiences can vary considerably. Survival estimates should not be interpreted as predictions for any particular person.

Raising awareness of everyday realities

Moshiri is now supporting the Here for This campaign from Blood Cancer UK. The campaign aims to raise awareness of how blood cancer and related conditions can affect everyday life and family moments.

Her involvement gives her an opportunity to talk about aspects of illness that may receive less attention than diagnosis itself.

Medical treatment is an important part of living with a chronic blood disorder, but so are the practical consequences. Fatigue, changes to routines, time away from family and the challenge of maintaining employment can all form part of the experience.

By speaking openly, Moshiri is helping bring attention to those less visible effects.

Why her story matters

Moshiri's diagnosis is a reminder that serious health conditions can sometimes be discovered unexpectedly. Her Polycythaemia vera was identified following a blood test associated with the menopause, rather than because she was necessarily seeking treatment for a blood disorder.

Her story also demonstrates that an incurable diagnosis does not automatically mean that a person cannot continue living a full and active life. Treatment and medical monitoring can play an important role in managing chronic conditions, although the experience can still involve difficult periods.

Perhaps most importantly, her account shows the human side of long-term illness. Behind professional achievements and appearances on television, there can be fatigue, uncertainty and moments when ordinary family activities become challenging.

For Moshiri, continuing to work while managing her condition has been part of adapting to a new reality. Her decision to speak publicly about her diagnosis may also encourage greater understanding of blood disorders and the ways they can affect people and their families.

Source

The Mirror on September 7, 2026, concerning Maryam Moshiri's Polycythaemia vera diagnosis, treatment and support for the Here for This campaign.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information and awareness purposes only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Information about Polycythaemia vera, treatment and survival can vary between individuals. Anyone concerned about symptoms, blood-test results or a possible blood disorder should speak with an appropriate healthcare professional.