BBC presenter Lauren Laverne, a familiar voice to millions across the UK, has revealed she has been diagnosed with smouldering myeloma—a rare, chronic blood and bone marrow disorder. The announcement, made on July 17, 2026, via her Instagram account, comes less than two years after Laverne, 48, was treated for cancer and received the all-clear in November 2024. The news has sparked an outpouring of support from fans, friends, and fellow broadcasters, while also shining a light on a little-known medical condition that, in some cases, can develop into blood cancer.
Laverne, known for hosting BBC Radio 6 Music’s weekday mid-morning show as well as Desert Island Discs and appearances on The One Show, described the diagnosis with characteristic candor and wit. “I’ve been diagnosed with something called smouldering myeloma (yes that is a weird name and no I’d never heard of it either),” she wrote. “It’s an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder that in some people can develop into blood cancer.”
Despite the daunting terminology, Laverne was quick to reassure her followers that her own risk of progression is “pretty low.” She emphasized, “At the moment, I feel OK and don’t need treatment.” The presenter, who describes herself as “quite a private person by nature,” explained her decision to go public: “Talking about this stuff helps people. Seeing others in the public eye cope with comparable situations has helped me, so I thought I’d be upfront about it.”
Smouldering myeloma, as explained by Myeloma UK and Blood Cancer UK, is an early, asymptomatic form of myeloma—a type of blood cancer. It is typically discovered during routine blood tests or investigations for other conditions, especially in people, like Laverne, who are under close medical monitoring following previous cancer treatment. According to Myeloma UK, the disorder is detected by the presence of abnormal cells in the bone marrow and abnormal proteins in the blood or urine. While most people with smouldering myeloma are unaware they have it, cancer survivors are more likely to be diagnosed early due to frequent check-ups.
Laverne’s diagnosis followed her GP’s insistence on investigating her persistently low iron levels. “This is the second big problem my GP has caught early and it is frankly impossible to adequately express my gratitude,” she wrote. “I was pretty blasé about my persistently low iron levels but he insisted we get to the bottom of what was going on. My message to others would be: be like him, not me! Advocate for yourself if you need to and ask to see a haematologist if you are in the same situation.”
The broadcaster was keen to clarify that her new diagnosis is unrelated to her previous illness or recent surgery. “It has nothing to do with my previous illness or my recent surgery, it’s just one of those things,” she said. Smouldering myeloma is a chronic condition with no current cure, and while it does not typically require immediate treatment, it does mean that Laverne’s immune system is “a bit compromised.” As a result, she will undergo regular monitoring, including blood tests, MRIs, and bone marrow biopsies—procedures she wryly described as “even less fun than they sound.”
Reflecting on her experiences over the past eight years, Laverne shared, “I’ve had some difficult experiences in the last eight years, but I have learned more from them than some people do in a lifetime and that is helping me right now. I am so grateful for that.” She expressed heartfelt thanks to her family, friends, medical team, and colleagues at 6 Music, as well as her “brilliant therapist” and “wonderful GP.”
The response from the public and fellow broadcasters was immediate and supportive. Jessie Ware commented, “Sending you all the love. Thank you for sharing.” Dr. Amir Khan, a familiar face to UK television viewers, wrote, “Oh Lauren sending you all the love. You are such a wonderful beautiful person. Please call me if you need anything.” Former Loose Women panellist Andrea McLean added, “I’m so sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing, you will have helped so many.”
Other friends and broadcasters, including Kate Garraway and Jamz Supernova, echoed these sentiments, praising Laverne’s courage and openness. The outpouring of support underscores the impact Laverne has had on British broadcasting and the affection in which she is held by listeners and colleagues alike.
Smouldering myeloma, while rare, is not entirely without risk. According to Myeloma UK and Blood Cancer UK, the disorder can progress to active myeloma, though the timeline for such progression varies widely. In many cases, it remains stable for years or even indefinitely. The standard approach is careful monitoring rather than immediate treatment, as the potential side effects of early intervention may outweigh the benefits unless there are clear signs of progression. More rarely, smouldering myeloma can develop into related conditions such as AL amyloidosis.
Laverne’s story also highlights the importance of regular health screenings and advocating for one’s own health. Her initial cancer diagnosis in August 2024 came after an unexpected finding during a screening appointment, and she has since urged her followers to attend every scan and screening offered to them. “Doing so could prove life-saving,” she warned in a previous post, echoing advice from medical charities.
For now, Laverne is taking a couple of weeks’ holiday before returning to work as normal. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic and determined to continue her broadcasting career. “I feel like I have more to say about this and the other experiences I’ve had, so maybe I’ll find a place to do that soon,” she hinted, suggesting that her journey may inspire further conversations about health, resilience, and public openness.
Born Lauren Gofton in Sunderland, Laverne first rose to prominence as a musician with the band Kenickie before transitioning to a successful broadcasting career. She became the first woman to host XFM’s flagship breakfast show in 2005 and has been a mainstay on BBC Radio 6 Music since 2019. Since 2018, she has helmed Desert Island Discs, bringing her empathetic interviewing style to a series of memorable conversations with figures from across public life.
As she faces this new chapter, Laverne’s openness offers comfort to others navigating health challenges and shines a spotlight on the value of early detection and support. Her message is clear: while the road ahead may be uncertain, sharing the journey can bring strength—not just to herself, but to countless others watching and listening along the way.