Lauren Laverne Reveals Smouldering Myeloma Diagnosis at 48 After Low-Iron Tests
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 17
Lauren Laverne Reveals Smouldering Myeloma Diagnosis at 48 After Low-Iron Tests
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jul 17
Summary
Lauren Laverne said she has smouldering myeloma, an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder, but added she feels well, does not need treatment and expects to return to work after a two-week break.
Persistently low iron levels led her GP to push for further checks, resulting in the diagnosis; Laverne said the condition is chronic, carries a pretty low risk of progressing in her case and will be monitored with blood tests, MRIs and bone marrow biopsies.
The 48-year-old said her immune system is somewhat compromised and urged others to advocate for themselves and seek a haematology referral if they face similar unexplained results.
The disclosure comes less than two years after Laverne's previous cancer diagnosis; she said in November 2024 that she had been given the all clear after treatment.
Myeloma UK says smouldering myeloma is identified through abnormal bone marrow cells and abnormal protein in blood or urine, and patients are regularly monitored because it can later develop into active myeloma.