10 Health Facts Your GP Wants Your Community to Know

Type 2 diabetes risk is higher in South Asian, African-Caribbean, Black African and other high-risk ethnic groups from a younger age

NICE PH38 1.2.1: encourage a diabetes risk assessment from 25 for South Asian, Chinese, African-Caribbean, Black African and other high-risk ethnic groups. Offer a blood test if the risk score is high. Consider a blood test if you are South Asian or Chinese, aged 25 or over, and BMI is over 23 (1.4.1 — that BMI action point is SA/Chinese only). Not a blanket HbA1c.

Sickle cell disease is most common in people with African or Caribbean family backgrounds

In England, about 1 in 79 newborns carries the sickle cell gene (UKHSA screening data, 2018 to 2019). Carriers do not have the disease. You can ask your GP for a carrier test at any time.

High blood pressure is more common in Black African and Black Caribbean adults

NICE NG136: CCB first-line if Black African/Caribbean without type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes: ACEI or ARB (ARB preferred). Do not stop tablets from an article.

If you have darker skin, you may not make enough vitamin D from UK sunlight

NHS advice: everyone should consider 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day in autumn and winter. People with dark skin, such as those from African, African-Caribbean or South Asian backgrounds, should consider taking it all year round.

You can refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies

For many problems, such as anxiety and depression, you can refer yourself without speaking to a GP. You need to be registered with a GP and aged 18 or over (16 or over in some areas).

If you or someone else is at immediate risk, seek urgent help now through emergency services or your local crisis pathway.

Cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer

Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited, usually every 5 years, or sooner if HPV is found. If you have a cervix but are not registered as female with your GP, you may not be invited automatically, so ask your surgery. If you missed your last test, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book.

Prostate cancer is more likely in Black African and Black Caribbean men

There is no routine NHS screening, but you can ask a GP about a PSA test. They will discuss the benefits and risks with you.

Some pregnancies are at higher risk of pre-eclampsia

NICE advises low-dose aspirin from 12 weeks for pregnancies at high risk of pre-eclampsia. It must be prescribed. Ask your midwife or GP whether it applies to you.

If your baby is moving less than usual, or you notice a change in their pattern of movements, call your midwife or maternity unit immediately, even at night. For other concerns in pregnancy, such as bleeding, severe pain, or feeling unwell, seek advice promptly from your maternity team, GP, NHS 111, or urgent care as appropriate.

Long COVID is recognised by the NHS, and help is available

If you have new or ongoing symptoms 4 weeks or more after COVID-19, or think you may have long COVID, speak to your GP. They may arrange tests, and some tests may be done by specialists at a post-COVID syndrome service.

Persistent symptoms after COVID need proper clinical assessment where appropriate. Online education cannot confirm whether symptoms are due to Long COVID or something else.

Anyone in England can register with a GP, whatever their immigration status

You do not need proof of address or immigration status to register. A&E is free to everyone, but some hospital care can be charged depending on whether you live in the UK. Do not avoid urgent care because you are worried about charges: ask the hospital.