Editorial
Early diagnosis, treatment of breast cancer reduce mortality
The month of October is recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and devoted to raising awareness of breast cancer and promoting early detection.
Advocates have therefore begun educating the public about the importance of screening for the disease in order to determine one’s status.
This is due to the fact that although people battle the disease on a daily basis, early screening, diagnosis, and treatment can in fact significantly lower the number of mortality.
In an effort to raise public awareness of the disease’s risks, survivors have also begun to share their personal stories.
The world of many women were completely turned upside down when they heard for the first time that they had been diagnosed with breast cancer based on a biopsy.
They were overcome with anxiety and negativity, which may have caused them to pass away too soon, just by thinking about the illness.
According to reports, there are over 2,000 breast cancer deaths in Ghana alone each year. Nevertheless, medical professionals think the real number is far higher because many instances go misdiagnosed.
The medical professionals reassure patients that there is hope because early diagnosis improves survival rates as treatment can begin to avoid problems.
As a result, The Spectator is advising both women and men to get screened for breast cancer in order to know their status and improve their chances of survival.
We urge breast cancer patients who are thinking about switching from conventional treatment to unlicensed herbal medicines to quit before things worsen.
Reporting to the hospital right away for treatment is advised if you experience even the tiniest breast discomfort. This is so because patients receiving treatment at the hospital may receive chemotherapy, have the afflicted breast surgically removed, or receive other treatments.
However, a large number of people are unable to pay for the necessary medical care, which creates a major barrier to diagnosis and treatment. As a result, a large number of them return home untreated, eventually dying from their sickness.
We kindly ask family members and others not to reject their relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer but to provide support to theim, as the cost of treatment is significant and we want to ensure a successful outcome for them.
While receiving the news of a cancer diagnosis is never pleasant, we implore those who are affected by the disease to ignore their fears and instead follow medical professionals’ instructions to “fight and conquer” their illness.
The disease is now affecting a growing number of young women in Ghana therefore more public education and awareness of breast cancer is urgently needed since early detection and treatment can avert death.
Dear Editor,
I WRITE to draw the attention of NADMO and other related agencies to the recent prediction by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to expect a lot of rains this year, especially in the Southern sector of the country.
GMet issued the forecast to provide an early warning to protect lives and property.
Interestingly, the Southern sector happens to be one of the many trouble spots in the country when the rains start.
It predicted the season to start in March and continue until July or August with above-normal rainfall along the eastern coast and nearby inland areas, including Accra, Tema, Cape Coast, Saltpond, Asamankese, Akim Oda, Koforidua, and Kade.
Knowing the problems faced as a country, concerns have been raised in certain quarters about the aftermath flooding problems in low-lying areas.
These concerns are well placed because flooding has become an annual ritual associated with the season.
My appeal goes to NADMO as well as the district and metropolitan assemblies. They are responsible for activities before and after the season.
As we prepare, they must spearhead the campaign to desilt the drainages in order for water to flow freely.
The citizenry must also show some sense of responsibility by desisting from throwing rubbish into gutters to block the free flow of water.
Noah Musa,
Adabraka
Dear Editor,
I WOULD like to express my views on why some people abuse leaders on social media platforms.
In recent times, social media has become a powerful tool for communication and expression. Unfortunately, many people misuse this freedom by insulting and abusing leaders instead of engaging in constructive criticism.
One major reason for this behaviour is frustration. When citizens feel ignored, unemployed, or affected by poor policies, they sometimes turn their anger toward leaders online.
Another reason is anonymity. Social media allows users to hide behind fake names and profiles, which gives them the confidence to say things they would not dare say in public. This lack of accountability encourages abusive language and disrespectful comments.
Ignorance and misinformation also play a role. Some people abuse leaders based on false news or rumours without verifying facts. This leads to unnecessary attacks that can damage reputations and create tension in society.
While leaders should be held accountable, abuse and insults do not solve problems. Too many people are finding social media platforms as homes to hide and churn out untruths that goes a long way to damage the image and credibility of the victims.
Constructive criticism, dialogue, and lawful channels are better ways to express dissatisfaction. Citizens must remember that respect is essential for national unity and development.
I hope this letter will encourage people to use social media responsibly and promote respectful communication.
Eugene Ampiaw,
Takoradi
