In a heartbreaking turn of events, BBC’s beloved presenter Lauren Laverne has disclosed another significant health challenge, mere months after triumphantly overcoming cancer. On Friday, July 17, the 48-year-old radio and television staple shared the news of her diagnosis with smouldering myeloma, a rare disorder affecting the blood and bone marrow. Laverne chose Instagram as the platform to relay her emotional message to her dedicated followers, beginning with the poignant words, “Personal news.”
Laverne’s heartfelt post continued, “Although I’m naturally a private person, sharing my journey has taught me the immense value of openness. After navigating various health hurdles, I’ve realized that discussing these matters openly can offer hope and support to others facing similar battles. The condition I’m facing now, called smouldering myeloma, might sound odd, and I must admit, it was unfamiliar to me as well.”
Offering some reassurance, she explained, “This condition is an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder that, while it can develop into blood cancer in some cases, poses a relatively low risk for me. Fortunately, I’m currently symptom-free and treatment isn’t necessary at this stage. Early detection often occurs in cancer survivors like myself due to our frequent monitoring, which allows for early intervention.”
Laverne emphasized that this diagnosis is unrelated to her previous illness or any recent surgeries she has undergone. Instead, it represents an unforeseen turn in her health narrative. She detailed the need for ongoing surveillance of her compromised immune system through regular check-ups, MRIs, and bone biopsies, acknowledging the chronic nature of her condition with stoic acceptance.
“It has nothing to do with my previous illness or my recent surgery; it’s just one of those things”, She added that it was an incurable “chronic condition” and means that her immune system is now compromised, so she will need regular check-ups, MRIs and bone biopsies moving forward.
The Desert Island Discs star said it was “a lot” to come to terms with just two years after her last diagnosis, but wanted to be “upfront” and share her story with others. She added that despite having “difficult experiences” in the last eight years, she has also learned a lot about herself and thanked her team of doctors and the 6 Music team who have helped her behind the scenes.
The broadcaster ended the post by informing her fans that she was taking some well-deserved time off on holiday but would be back on the airwaves soon enough. She chuckled: “I call it Smoulderign Mye. Sounds more like a drag queen.”
Myeloma UK’s website describes the condition as “an early form of the blood cancer myeloma. They explained: “In smouldering myeloma, abnormal cells can be detected in the bone marrow, and abnormal protein can be detected in the blood and/or urine.”
The broadcaster is being supported by her famous friends and loyal legion of fans (Image: PA)
It didn’t take long for her famous friends and loyal legion of fans to swarm to the comments section to pass on their well-wishes online. Kate Garraway led the way, posting: “Oh Lauren – hate that this is coming at you on top of everything else – sending you love and healing and you are right you will have helped so many by speaking up.”
Sarah Cawood added: “Oh gorgeous girl! You’ve been through A LOt. And navigated it all with style and grace. Sending you love and healing.” Meanwhile, Jessie Ware chimed in with: “Sending you all the love. Thank you for sharing.” This Morning star Dr Amir Khan also offered his help, commenting: “Oh, Lauren, sending you all the love. You are such a wonderful, beautiful person. Please call me if you need anything.”
Lauren announced back in August 2025 that she had been diagnosed with cancer, but reassured fans that it had been caught early. She later revealed that she had received the all-clear and would be returning to work soon. Since her diagnosis, she has returned to her work commitments, including hosting the BBC’s coverage of Glastonbury Festival last year and recent editions of The One Show.
She is still best known as a radio DJ, hosting the late-morning-to-lunchtime show on BBC Radio 6 Music, as well as the anchor of Desert Island Discs since 2018, making her the longest-standing host of the series to date.