BBC presenter Lauren Laverne has revealed that she has been diagnosed with smoldering myeloma — a blood and bone marrow disorder that currently has no cure.The chronic condition was discovered by her doctor nearly two years after Laverne recovered from cancer in August 2024. Laverne has not publicly disclosed the exact type of cancer she was treated for.Lauren Laverne Reveals 'Chronic Condition'Taking to Instagram, the 48-year-old TV presenter shared her health update, telling followers that she has been diagnosed with a "chronic condition.""I’ve been diagnosed with something called smoldering 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."Stating that her risk "is pretty low," Laverne explained that she does not need treatment at the moment. However, she noted that there is currently no cure and that her immune system is "a bit compromised."She also clarified that the diagnosis "has nothing to do with my previous illness or my recent surgery, it’s just one of those things."Also read: Cancer Kills Over 26,000 Daily; Cases to Hit 35 Million by 2050, Says WHO ReportRegular Monitoring AheadBecause of the diagnosis, Laverne said she will be closely monitored with blood tests, MRIs, and bone marrow biopsies, which she joked she has "recently discovered are even less fun than they sound."She revealed that the condition was identified after her GP noticed she had "persistently low iron levels.""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 said.Laverne also thanked her family, friends, doctors, consultants, nurses, and her team at BBC Radio 6 Music. Many of her fellow TV and radio personalities shared messages of support following her announcement. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lauren Laverne (@laurenlaverne)]]>What Is Smoldering Myeloma?According to Blood Cancer UK, "Smoldering myeloma is the name given to myeloma that has no symptoms or signs of damage to your organs."Myeloma is a type of blood cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Smoldering myeloma is an inactive, early form of the disease that does not cause symptoms or organ damage.The charity says that people with smoldering myeloma usually do not need treatment right away. Instead, they undergo regular checkups so doctors can monitor whether the condition is progressing to active myeloma.Read More: Attention Brits! UK Warns Travelers About Deadly Methanol Poisoning AbroadAccording to the International Myeloma Foundation, smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) is an asymptomatic precursor stage of multiple myeloma (MM). While both conditions involve abnormal plasma cells, people with SMM have no symptoms or end-organ damage and are typically monitored rather than treated.The disease generally progresses through precursor stages:Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): The earliest stage before symptoms develop. MGUS is a benign precursor, and many people with MGUS never develop active myeloma.Smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM): In some people, MGUS progresses to SMM, which remains asymptomatic. Over time, SMM can progress to active multiple myeloma, although the rate of progression varies from person to person.How Is Smoldering Myeloma Managed?People with smoldering myeloma are generally managed through active surveillance, with regular blood tests, imaging scans, and other monitoring to detect any signs that the disease is becoming active. Active monitoring is considered a safe approach for most patients.Doctors may recommend treatment in certain situations, including:If tests show a very high risk of progression to active myeloma.If there are no symptoms but evidence, or a high risk, of damage to organs such as the bones or kidneys.As part of a clinical trial.