Understanding Prostate Cancer in Black and African Communities: What You Need to Know
Written by Thelma Okunuga, MPHARM, PGDIP IPClinically reviewed by Dr Mohammad Tahir MBBS MRCS Quick SummaryProstate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide.[1,2] It is particularly important because outcomes are worse when diagnosis happens late, especially when cancer is diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage.[3,4] Black and African men are […]
Hypertension in Black Adults in the UK: The Numbers Are Alarming — Here’s the Action Plan
Written by Thelma Okunuga (MPHARM) Clinically reviewed by Mohammed Yasir (MBBS, MRCS) Hypertension is one of the most significant health challenges affecting Black adults in the United Kingdom, particularly people of African and Caribbean heritage. Although high blood pressure affects millions of people across the UK, studies show that Black adults are more likely to develop hypertension earlier in […]
Therapy for Black Men: Finding a Culturally Competent Therapist
Written by Thelma Okunuga (MPHARM) Clinically reviewed by Mohammad Yasir (MBBS, MRCS) Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet many Black men face unique barriers when seeking support.[1,4,6,7] Cultural stigma, expectations to appear strong, and past experiences of discrimination can make it difficult to ask for help.[4,6,7] However, therapy can provide a […]
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease: What You Need to Know
Written by Nhima Sanha RGN Reviewed by Thelma Okunuga MPHARM and Abimbola Ekundayo MRCGP Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood condition that affects how red blood cells work. It mainly affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and South Asian heritage. The condition causes red blood cells to become hard and crescent-shaped instead of round […]
Understanding Vitamin D Deficiency in Black and African Communities: What You Need to Know
Written by Thelma Okunuga MPHARM, PGDIP IP. Reviewed by Chioma Ngoka MD and Abimbola Ekundayo MRCGP Vitamin D deficiency is common and often unnoticed, but it plays an important role in bone health, muscles, and the immune system. It matters because low vitamin D levels can lead to pain, weakness, and long-term health problems. Black and African people […]
Understanding Asthma in Black and African Communities: What You Need to Know
Written by Thelma Okunuga MPHARM Reviewed by Nhima Sanha RGN and Abimbola Ekundayo MRCGP Asthma is a long-term condition that affects breathing and can be life-threatening if not well managed. It matters because asthma attacks can happen suddenly and can be severe. Black and African people are more likely to be hospitalised or die from asthma despite similar prevalence rates. This […]
Fibroids: What Every Black and Minority Woman Needs to Know
Written by Nhima Sanha RGN Reviewed by Abimbola Ekundayo MRCGP Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb. They are extremely common — up to 70–80% of women will have them at some point in their lives. But for Black and minority women, fibroids tend to appear earlier, grow larger and cause more severe symptoms. […]
Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease in Black & Minority Communities
Written by Nhima Sanha RGN and Sabrina Adjaye RGN Reviewed by Abimbola Ekundayo MRCP and Thelma Okunuga MPHARM Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys slowly stop working properly. It often develops silently, with few symptoms in the early stages. CKD affects people from all backgrounds, but Black and minority communities are […]
Understanding Type 2 Diabetes in Black and African Communities: What You Need to Know
By Thelma Okunuga (MPHARM) Reviewed by Nhima Sanha RGN and Abimbola Ekundayo MRCP Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition that affects how the body controls blood sugar. It matters because, without early diagnosis and care, it can lead to serious health problems. Black and African people are at higher risk and are more likely […]
Understanding High Blood Pressure: What You Need to Know
Written by Nhima Sanha RGN Reviewed by Thelma Okunuga MPHARM and Abimbola Ekundayo MRCP High blood pressure (hypertension) is when blood pushes too hard against your artery walls. It affects one in three UK adults and often has no symptoms, yet it quietly increases your risk of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney damage. Black and minority communities […]