Maryam Moshiri, 49, says menopause tests led to rare blood cancer diagnosis – here are 6 symptoms to know

BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri has revealed she is living with polycythaemia vera, a rare blood cancer diagnosed after a routine blood test while she was being investigated for menopause symptoms. The 49-year-old said she was initially 'blasé' about the diagnosis, which affects an estimated 8,810 people in the UK, but has since undergone exhausting treatment and now faces a lifetime of medication and hospital appointments. 'It is going to be there till the day I die,' Moshiri told The Times. 'A big part of this disease is having to get on with life.' What is polycythaemia vera? Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a rare type of blood cancer that causes the bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells. This thickens the blood, making it harder for it to flow around the body. According to Blood Cancer UK, people with PV also often have higher-than-normal levels of white blood cells and platelets, which can further increase the risk of blood clots. Polycythaemia vera symptoms to look out for PV doesn't always cause symptoms, and many of the signs can be caused by other, much more common conditions. However, possible symptoms include: What to Read Next Persistent or unexplained fatigue Headaches Unexplained itching or a rash anywhere on the body Drenching night sweats Dizziness or blurred vision Unexplained weight loss 'Blood cancer symptoms in general can include severe fatigue, night sweats, bone or joint pain, and continuous infections. Because these are often the signs of common illnesses, it can be hard to spot, which is why they are sometimes considered to be silent or hidden cancers,' says Gemma Trout, senior blood cancer nurse at Blood Cancer UK. 'For PV, symptoms can also include headaches, dizziness, itching, changes in vision and, in some cases, unusual bleeding or redness, all driven by the overproduction of red blood cells.' Why does polycythaemia vera increase the risk of blood clots? Simply put, having too many red blood cells makes the blood thicker, increasing the likelihood of blood clots forming. In serious cases, these clots can lead to heart attacks or strokes. Anastassiya Bezhekeneva // Getty Images Venesection involves removing blood from a vein, in a similar way to donating blood Polycythaemia vera treatment 'PV is incurable – which means someone with it will always have it. There is no way to permanently eliminate it. But it can be treated to slow its progression and help manage symptoms,' explains Trout. According to The Times, Moshiri's initial treatment involved venesection, also known as phlebotomy. During this procedure, blood is removed through a vein to reduce the concentration of red blood cells. Moshiri said the treatment left her exhausted and 'extremely unwell'. Venesection is a common treatment for PV, says Trout. People may also be advised to take a daily low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots. 'There are other treatments available, including cytoreductive therapy, which slows down bone marrow production; chemotherapy tablets that lower high red blood cell and platelet counts; and interferon, a type of immunotherapy that prompts the immune system to help control bone marrow activity,' she says. Moshiri later started treatment with interferon under the care of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust in London. While it reduced the number of venesections she needed, she described the side effects as 'horrendous', including insomnia, headaches and severe itching. 'I was itching until I was bleeding through to my clothes. I have scars all over my stomach from the itching.' After a few months, she switched to a different medication with more manageable side effects. Alongside medical treatment, people with PV may also be advised to stop smoking, manage their blood pressure and cholesterol, and stay well hydrated. 'Antihistamines can also help with itching, which can be a symptom of both the condition itself and some of the treatments,' adds Trout. When to speak to your GP If you have symptoms of blood cancer – or any persistent, unexplained symptoms you're concerned about – book an appointment with your GP or call NHS 111. Before your appointment, it can help to make a note of what your symptoms are, how long you've had them and whether they've changed or worsened. Remember, these symptoms are common and don't necessarily mean you have blood cancer. But getting them checked is important, and a simple blood test may help identify the cause.