Culture Club

African-Caribbean

People in the black community are more at risk of stroke, certain cancers, heart disease and circulatory problems resulting from diabetes, than other communities. 

Smoking is a major cause of stroke, heart disease, certain cancers and clogged arteries/circulatory problems, which means that black people who smoke are putting themselves at an even higher health risk.

In the United States, heart disease, cancer, and stroke are the three leading causes of premature death amongst black people.

Smoking in the home is also fairly widespread in ethnic minority homes. Secondhand smoke can cause as many health problems to family members – especially children and babies, who are more vulnerable – than to the smokers, themselves.

Unfortunately, research has shown that ethnic minorities possess relatively poor knowledge concerning the link between cigarette smoking and diseases, and are less likely to cite smoking as a health risk than the UK population as a whole. The proportion of black men who say their smoking has “no effect” on their current health is double the percentage rate for the UK, overall.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but if you get the support of your friends and family members, plus the support of City and Hackney PCT, you will have a much higher chance of success.

Help yourself to be healthier. Help the black community to be healthier and lower its risk of stroke, heart disease and cancer.