Laverne Shares Myeloma Update
BBC Presenter Lauren Laverne Reveals Incurable Smouldering Myeloma Diagnosis
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Key Points
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Laverne announced on Instagram that she has smouldering myeloma, an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder that can progress to blood cancer, and she quipped that the nickname 'Smouldering Mye' sounds like a drag queen.
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She says the diagnosis comes two years after her cancer treatment, and she was previously given the all-clear in November 2024; she stresses the development is not related to her prior illness or surgery.
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Clinically, smouldering myeloma is described as an early form of myeloma in which abnormal cells can be detected in the bone marrow and abnormal protein can be found in the blood or urine.
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Laverne’s doctors say the condition is chronic and, while the risk of progression is pretty low for her, it means ongoing monitoring; notably, her immune system is compromised and she will need ongoing MRI scans and bone biopsies.
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In coverage for her status, articles note she remains a prominent BBC presenter (Desert Island Discs host) and that the public update aligns with broader coverage of openness about health and recovery.
BBC presenter Lauren Laverne, 48, has announced she has been diagnosed with smouldering myeloma — a rare, incurable blood and bone marrow disorder that can develop into blood cancer. Evening Standard reports that the diagnosis comes less than two years after she underwent treatment for cancer, and just months after receiving what she described as the all-clear in November 2024.
Laverne shared the news publicly on Instagram, saying she hoped speaking openly would help others in similar situations. She noted that her risk of progression is "pretty low" and that she currently feels well and does not need treatment. True to form, she quipped that the nickname 'Smouldering Mye' sounds like a drag queen.
What Smouldering Myeloma Actually Is
Smouldering myeloma is an early, asymptomatic form of myeloma — a type of blood cancer. According to Express, Myeloma UK describes it as a condition where abnormal cells are found in the bone marrow, and abnormal proteins show up in the blood or urine. Crucially, unlike active myeloma, it causes no symptoms and does not yet require treatment.
The condition sits in a middle ground. It is more advanced than a harmless pre-cancerous state, but not yet full blood cancer. Doctors monitor patients closely because the condition can, in some cases, progress. Yahoo News notes that smouldering myeloma is considered rare.
How This Diagnosis Relates to Her Previous Cancer
Laverne was first diagnosed with cancer roughly two years ago and underwent treatment. She was given the all-clear in November 2024. According to Daily Mail, the new smouldering myeloma diagnosis is not believed to be related to her previous illness or surgery. It is a separate, chronic condition.
This kind of finding is not unusual for people who have had cancer. Intensive monitoring after treatment often picks up new or unrelated conditions early. In Laverne's case, that early detection means her doctors caught the smouldering myeloma before it caused any symptoms or damage.
Ongoing Monitoring With MRIs and Bone Biopsies
Laverne will not need treatment right now, but the condition requires constant watching. Evening Standard reports that her care plan includes regular MRI scans and bone biopsies. Her immune system is also compromised, which adds to the need for careful, ongoing surveillance.
She described smouldering myeloma as a chronic condition she will live with long-term. While her risk of progression is low, it is not zero. Her medical team will track any changes so they can act quickly if the condition shifts toward active myeloma.
Laverne Stays Open About Health While Continuing BBC Work
Laverne is best known as the host of BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs and the BBC Radio 6 Music Breakfast Show. Daily Mail says her 6 Music team has been supportive throughout her health journey. She has continued working during this period and shows no sign of stepping back.
By going public, Laverne joins a growing number of public figures who speak openly about serious health diagnoses. She said she wanted to share the update to help others facing similar news. Her openness has drawn wide praise and brought fresh attention to smouldering myeloma as a condition many people have never heard of.
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