Asian smokers targeted in anti-tobacco campaign

Asian people are being persuaded to stub out the evil weed

Asian smokers are being targeted in a new government anti-smoking campaign.

There are higher rates of smoking in Asian communities. 27% of men in the UK smoke, compared to 44% of Bangladeshi men.

South Asian people have got the highest level of smoking-related illnesses - but so far campaigns have had little impact.

Cardiovascular diseases are 60-70% higher with Pakistani and Bangladeshi men than men in the general UK population.

Asian people have higher rates of heart disease

The Asian press and TV and radio stations will be giving tips on how to give up as part of the £750,000 campaign.

An NHS Asian Tobacco Helpline opened for business on Wednesday.

One issue will be chewing tobacco. This is especially popular with Bangladeshi women, but it can result in oral cancer.

Smoking is the biggest single cause of preventable illnesses and premature death in the UK.