Doctor says 'it presents differently' after BBC star's incurable cancer news

Doctor says 'it presents differently' after BBC star's incurable cancer news Blood cancer often presents in much more subtle ways BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri has been diagnosed with an incurable type of blood cancer. In an interview with The Times, Moshiri said she has been undergoing treatment for polycythaemia vera (PV) since her diagnosis in November 2024. PV is a rare type of cancer which causes the bone marrow to continuously produce red blood cells, thickening the blood. “It is going to be there until the day I die,” the 49-year-old told the paper. “A big part of this disease is having to get on with life.” Her initial treatment involved having a procedure called a venesection, or phlebotomy, about twice a month, when nearly a pint of blood is removed through a vein to reduce the concentration of red blood cells. The mother-of-three later began an immunotherapy treatment called interferon, which cut down the number of venesections required but came with “horrendous” side effects, including insomnia, headaches and itching that was “coming from inside” of her. “I was itching until I was bleeding through to my clothes, I have scars all over my stomach from the itching,” she said. After a few months she was able to switch to a different type of drug with less severe side effects. Moshiri has continued to work throughout her treatment, including leading the BBC’s coverage of the death of Pope Francis from Rome. She said: “I was working 14-hour days, constantly on air, constantly having to think on my feet, and holding it together, despite the fact that I had this chronic tiredness and fatigue. “When you’re doing live news, you have this rush of adrenaline, and you just have to get on with it.” Moshiri said that although “adjusting to a different life” has been challenging, a future “punctuated by hospital appointments and loads of medication” is better than the alternative. “That is better than dying, obviously, of a horrible cancer,” she said. “But it’s something that you have to get your head around.” Writing on Instagram, Moshiri said she was grateful for the opportunity to “shine a light on my blood cancer in hope it will help others”. She wrote: “I’m supporting Blood Cancer UK’s campaign ‘Here for This’ to highlight the moments people with blood cancer can miss because of gruelling treatments, side effects or time spent in hospital, while also celebrating the milestones and moments that research and better treatments make possible. “I’m glad to be in a place to share my story. Thanks to my consultants, my family, my friends, my work and everyone who has supported me these last two years.” She added: “@BloodCancer_UK are here for everyone affected by blood cancer, whether it’s leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma, MDS or like me, MPN. If you’d like to speak to someone, their support line is 0808 2080 888, or head to their website for more information.” Blood cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with over 40,000 people diagnosed each year. According to Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall Medical, many cases are detected too late, often because the early signs are vague and easily overlooked. Currently, an estimated 250,000 people are living with the condition in the UK. Statistically, one in every 16 men and one in every 22 women will develop the disease in their lifetime. While many know that persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and frequent infections can be signs of cancer, Dr Tang stresses that blood cancer often presents in much more subtle ways. “People tend to associate cancer with lumps or dramatic symptoms. But with blood cancer, you might just feel 'off', and that’s dangerous,” says Dr Tang. Lesser-known symptoms include night sweats, itchy skin, dizziness, or headaches, bruising easily or unusual bleeding such as gums or frequent nosebleeds. Shortness of breath and pale washed out looking skin are other indicators, too. “These symptoms can mimic other conditions like iron deficiency or even stress,” Dr Tang explains. “But if they persist, it’s crucial to get them checked.” Detecting blood cancer can start with a simple blood test. “Too many people blame tiredness on a busy life. We need to flip that thinking,” said Dr Tang. “If your body is sending you signals, listen.”