British Bangladeshi and Pakistani residents invited to join health study
22/07/2025
These groups are underrepresented in genetic research
British Bangladeshi and British Pakistani residents in Banbury are being urged to join others in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire in a pioneering research project to tackle higher rates of serious diseases in their communities.
The Genes & Health study, supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, is investigating how genes affect health and the risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders.
Researchers are focusing on British Bangladeshi and Pakistani people, who are underrepresented in genetic research and therefore may not fully benefit from medical advances.
People aged 16 and over can join by providing a saliva sample, completing a short health questionnaire, and allowing their NHS health data to be linked securely. Participants can sign up at certain GP practices and hospitals, or online, returning their sample by post.
The study has already led to a number of discoveries, including genetic factors behind earlier onset of type 2 diabetes in South Asian people, and evidence that some heart attack medications may not work effectively in these communities.
Prof Sarah Finer, study co-lead, said: “Not everyone is built the same, and it is vital that our research involves people from different ethnicities.
“By taking part in Genes & Health, British Pakistani and Bangladeshi people can help make sure that discoveries from research brings health benefits to everyone, not just those who have historically been well represented in studies. Your participation can drive real change and bring better health to future generations.”
Over 65,000 people have joined the study so far, with a target of 100,000 by 2028.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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