Maryam Moshiri, a BBC News presenter, announced last November that she had been diagnosed with polycythaemia vera, a rare form of blood cancer classified as incurable but treatable. The condition affects roughly 8,000 individuals across the UK and is associated with elevated risks of blood clots that may result in stroke, heart attack, or deep vein thrombosis.
Moshiri described experiencing multiple symptoms including headaches, blurred vision, fatigue, night sweats, and burning sensations in the hands and feet. She noted that the fatigue proved particularly challenging given the demanding nature of her profession, comparing the experience to having “your batteries taken out” after periods of intensive work.
To manage the condition, Moshiri initially began taking daily aspirin and undergoing regular venesections, a procedure involving blood extraction through a needle in the arm to reduce red blood cell counts. She later transitioned to Pegasys, a weekly injection treatment, which she reported remained effective though still producing fatigue as a side effect.
Moshiri indicated she was publicizing her diagnosis to increase awareness about blood cancer and address misconceptions surrounding the disease. She emphasized that many blood cancers, including her own, represent chronic conditions requiring long-term management rather than conditions that can be completely resolved through treatment. She highlighted the ongoing challenges of balancing her career responsibilities with the continuous effects of her illness and its treatments.
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