Overview
- Laverne disclosed on Friday that she has smouldering myeloma, an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder that can in some cases develop into blood cancer.
- She says she currently feels well, does not need treatment, and will take a short holiday before returning to her BBC duties.
- The diagnosis followed investigation of persistently low iron and heightened post-cancer surveillance, and Laverne emphasised it is unrelated to her previous cancer or recent surgery.
- Charities and reports cited in coverage describe smouldering myeloma as an early stage often managed by watchful waiting because many cases remain stable and only some progress to active disease.
- Laverne urged people to advocate for investigation of worrying signs such as low iron and thanked her GP, medical team and colleagues for early detection and support.