News
Increase cancer awareness in rural areas – Survivor
Ms Sambou interacting withsome women in Nyanyano
A breast cancer survivor, Ms Raissa Sambou has called on stakeholders in the health sector to increase cancer awareness in rural areas of the country.
She said many rural dwellers find it difficult to access cancer care while some die as a result.
Ms Sambou said this in an interview with The Spectator after embarking on a door-to-door cervical and breast cancer awareness campaign in Nyanyano in the Gomoa-East District of the Central Region last week.
She said “women in rural areas do not get the right diagnosis from the Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds in the communities due to lack of medical equipment and healthcare givers who have received training on cancers and major symptoms.”
Based on her personal journey with breast cancer, she warned women about the dangers of ignoring warning signs and emphasised the critical importance of regular screenings.
Ms Sambou who is also the Founder of The Raissa Child Protection Initiative, a non-governmental organisation said “I am particular about dispelling misconceptions surrounding cancer in Ghana especially in our rural areas.
With thousands of women succumbing to breast and cervical cancer annually in Ghana, she expressed concern over the lack of education on these diseases, particularly in rural Ghana.
She urged the government to implement policies that would enhance access to screening and treatment centers, stressing the need for a preventive approach to reduce cancer incidences in the country.
During her conversations with the women, she highlighted the profound connection between women’s health and their ability to care for their children.
She stressed that by prioritising their well-being, women could better ensure the welfare of their families.
Some signs of breast cancer, she said, included breast lump or thickening often without pain, change in nipple appearance and abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple
For cervical cancer, she explained, that some of the symptoms were pelvis pain, irregular menstruation, pain during sexual intercourse and abnormal vagina discharge among others.
She urged Ghanaians to stop stigmatising cancer survivors which makes it difficult for survivors to come out and share their stories.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Muslims across the country celebrated this year’s Eid-ul-Adha in a colourful and spiritually uplifting atmosphere under the theme, “A Season of Sacrifice, Solidarity and Spiritual Renewal.”
The celebration brought together Muslims from diverse backgrounds in a remarkable display of faith, unity and cultural heritage.
The occasion was marked by special Eid prayers at various designated grounds, the slaughtering of rams in homes for sharing among family members, friends and the less privileged, as well as musical concerts and recreational activities including horse riding.
Leading the celebration was the Chief Imam, Dr Sheikh Osman Sharubutu.
While the national celebration was held at the Black Star Square where President John Dramani Mahama was the Special Guest of Honour, similar gatherings took place at different centres across the capital and other regions of the country.
A visit by The Spectator to some celebration grounds revealed Muslims, both young and old, elegantly dressed in colourful jalabiya and other Islamic attire, reflecting the rich culture and traditions of the Muslim community.
The celebration also portrayed the spirit of religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the country, as a number of Christians joined their Muslim counterparts to mark the occasion.
Muslim leaders and government officials used the opportunity to call on the faithful to uphold the teachings of the Holy Quran, renew their spiritual commitment and refrain from acts capable of undermining the peace, unity and security of the nation.
They further urged Ghanaians to continue to live in harmony and support one another for national development.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Dear Obaa Yaa,
During Eid-ul- Adha celebration, I decided to spend the weekend at my boyfriend’s place since we were planning towards our marriage.
To my surprise, what keeps me wide awake, restless and frustrated every single time is that he snores loudly like a generator running on full power, and I genuinely cannot get any rest
At a point, I thought it was just a normal thing, but I have realised it is something he does with ease and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.
When he steps out in the morning, I try to get enough sleep because I may not sleep in the evening.
The most annoying thing is that, he always wants to cuddle me. These two things are a no for me and a red flag.
We are about to get married, what should I do?
Enam, Keta.
Dear Enam,
The snoring and constant cuddling are frustrating, but you don’t have to choose between sleep and closeness.
Start with the snoring: check if it’s worse when he sleeps on his back, cut out alcohol before bed, try nasal strips or a humidifier, and see a doctor if he pauses while breathing.
For quick relief, foam earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones help a lot.
Separate blankets, a bigger bed, or sleeping apart on some nights often makes couples rest well and feel closer overall.
Bring this up before the wedding .Tell him you want to wake up next to him for years to come, but sleep deprivation makes you both miserable.
Test earplugs and side-sleeping this weekend, and if it’s still unbearable, bring in a doctor. Good sleep matters more for your marriage than staying glued together all night.
