Editorial
Every Woman Matters in the Battle Against Breast Cancer
October is marked as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a global campaign to increase attention and support for the early diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care of breast cancer.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about the disease’s warning signs, promote regular screenings like mammograms, and provide support for patients and survivors. The pink ribbon serves as a global symbol of hope and support during this time.
So far, organisations have already started reminding women about the importance of breast self-examinations. Free breast cancer screenings are being organised for women, and survivors have also been sharing their experiences to encourage others to know their status.
According to health experts, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in most countries. The majority of women who die from breast cancer live in low- and middle-income countries, where most cases are diagnosed at late stages due to a variety of factors.
Reports indicate that in low- and middle-income countries, the incidence of breast cancer has been rising steadily due to increased life expectancy, changing reproductive patterns, and the adoption of Western lifestyles.
Although breast cancer can often be cured when detected early and when adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, many cases are detected late, making curative treatment no longer an option.
Last weekend, thousands of Ghanaians joined Breast Care International (BCI), a leading breast cancer advocacy organisation, and its partners in a walk through the streets of Kumasi, echoing a resounding message: “No woman should die from breast cancer because she is poor.”
Painting a picture of the ceremony, our reporter indicated that the city — right from the Post Office at Adum to the revered grounds of Manhyia Palace — was covered in pink and white, the colours of breast cancer, as participants marched under the theme, “A Cure Worth Fighting For.”
The Spectator gives a thumbs up to the Founder and President of BCI, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafi Addai, who joined the procession with a sobering message: “Breast cancer can be conquered, but we must fight together and save lives, especially those of young women who die needlessly and prematurely.”
She speaks against the stigma and myths that still surround breast cancer and is particularly vocal about the dangers of misinformation and the belief that the disease is caused by witchcraft.
Another message she shares is that men must stand by their wives during diagnosis and treatment rather than abandon them. She added that although over 2,300 women in Ghana die from breast cancer every year, early detection and prompt treatment save lives.
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Dear Editor,
I wish to use this esteemed platform to urge the traditional councils of Osu and La to call for independent investigation into the recent demolition exercise at Kaajaano.
The exercise rendered hundreds homeless.
Information about the reason for the demolition has been scanty with those desiring to know feeding heavily on social media posts.
One particular name –Jato, has been associated with it but under whose instruction the exercise was carried is also not known.
Sadly, instead of getting to know who ordered the demolition and for what reasons, traditional authorities of Osu and La have been embroiled in a tug-of-war over ownership of the said land.
This is premature. At this moment, they should call for investigation into the exercise to know the people behind it.
When that is done, then discussions about the owners of the site can begin. That would end the posture of the two neighbouring town which has the potential to turn into something else.
Ataa Osa Mensah,
Osu
Dear Editor,
I wish to use your respected platform to draw the attention of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) to the behaviour of traders and some drivers about the use of lower denomination coins, specifically the 20 and 10 pesewas.
About two weeks ago, I read in your sister newspaper, The Ghanaian Times about this problem and the caution that followed from the BoG and some economic analysts.
The warning they gave was that the continuous rejection of the notes could create pricing problems which can eventually affect inflation.
I thought that would put to bed that practice or refusal to accept the coins when given out as change or use to pay for particular service.
Unfortunately, the problem still persist among traders, drivers, customers and passengers alike. Only last week, there was as altercation in the Accra Central area where a woman refused to accept five 20 pesewas note totaling one cedi.
As the argument continued, the trader decided not to sell to the customer again after by-standers explained to her that it was still a legal tender and those that refused it could become offenders.
This is an issue the BoG and other regulatory agencies must go and explain to the people and let them know that it is unlawful not to accept a currency that is still in use.
It nothing was done, it could create a much more serious problems.
Mary Osei Badu,
Swedru
