BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri has revealed that she is living with polycythaemia vera (PV), a rare form of blood cancer that, although treatable, has no known cure.

Moshiri, 49, who joined the BBC in 2003 and is one of the broadcaster’s best-known news anchors, said she decided to publicly disclose her diagnosis to raise awareness about the condition.

She told the BBC that she was diagnosed with PV in November 2024 and has since been learning more about the condition and how it affects her daily life.

“It’s been two years since my diagnosis and I’ve felt that I’ve started to understand the disease a lot better and the way it affects my life,” Moshiri said.

“I’ve got a handle on it to a degree now, so I felt it was really important to raise awareness.”

The presenter said she would require lifelong treatment to manage the condition.

“I’m going to have to spend the rest of my life being treated for this,” she added.

Polycythaemia vera is a rare blood cancer in which the body produces too many red blood cells, causing the blood to become thicker than normal.

The condition can increase the risk of blood clots, which may lead to serious complications including stroke, heart attack and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Although PV cannot currently be cured, it can be effectively managed with treatment and regular medical monitoring.

Moshiri’s disclosure is expected to raise public awareness about the condition and highlight the importance of recognising and managing rare blood disorders.

The BBC presenter has continued her broadcasting career while undergoing treatment, using her experience to encourage greater understanding of life with a long-term blood cancer.