Need to knowLauren Laverne explained today that she has smouldering myeloma, which is an early form of myeloma, a type of cancer.18:50, 17 Jul 2026Updated 19:12, 17 Jul 2026Lauren Laverne explained she's been diagnosed with smouldering myeloma(Image: BBC)What is Lauren Laverne's health condition smouldering myeloma?BBC radio and Desert Island Discs presenter Lauren Laverne has revealed she has been diagnosed with smouldering myeloma. The condition can develop into blood cancer, although in her case that's thought to be unlikely.The star, 48, explained that it was an incurable 'chronic condition' and means that her immune system is now compromised so she will need MRIs and bone biopsies.Myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. It occurs when your bone marrow makes certain blood cells that don't work properly. It can't normally be cured, but it can be managed.Smouldering myeloma - what Lauren has - is an early form of myeloma. If you have smouldering myeloma, abnormal cells can be detected in the bone marrow, and abnormal protein can be detected in the blood or urine.The good news is that smouldering myeloma patients don't usually have the symptoms related to active myeloma and tend not to need treatment.Because there are not symptoms it is usually diagnosed by chance, following a routine health check or blood tests for something else and that's what happened to Lauren.Lauren explained: "Most people my age who have it have no idea - it tends to be cancer survivors like me who are diagnosed early as we're so carefully monitored."Smouldering myeloma can develop active myeloma, though in some cases it remains unchanged and never develops into active myeloma.At present smouldering myeloma is not treated but patients are monitored regularly for signs they are developing active myeloma, which is treated.READ THE FULL STORY: Lauren Laverne reveals incurable blood and bone marrow disorder two years on from cancer diagnosis or for more information visit Myeloma UK.