News
KNUST initiates the Africa Breast Cancer Screening Study
Researchers at the College of Health Sciences of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), have commenced studies into efforts to advance cancer prevention, early detection and health equity in Africa.
The study, dubbed “Africa Breast Cancer Screening” (ABCS), which is being carried out in partnership with the College of Science, will look at the association between metabolic syndrome, the gut microbiome and breast cancer risk
The study will also look at the individual parameters of metabolic syndrome, which will be performed by screening many women and find out if they have breast cancer, the stage and the type and screen them for the risk factor of metabolic syndrome, analysis and their interrelationships.
Chosen cross-sectional study sites in Ghana will be the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Breast Center, Tamale Teaching Hospital Breast Center, Peace and Love Hospital in Kumasi, Western Regional Hospital, Effia Nkwanta, Cape Coast Teaching Hospital Oncology Department and the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.
Professor Reginald Annan, the Principal Investigator and a Professor of Public Health Nutrition at the KNUST, at the Study’s Inception meeting, said later studies will be conducted in other African countries for informed decisions on breast cancer.
The study will also look at the individual parameters of metabolic syndrome, which will be performed by screening many women and find out if they have breast cancer, the stage and the type and screen them for the risk factor of metabolic syndrome, analysis and their interrelationships.
Prof. Annan said there was little or no study in Africa on cancer and nutrition and this was the first study to delve into the disease’s prevalence.
Breast cancer remained a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa with increasing incidence and a challenging burden on healthcare systems. He said the incidence of especially, triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype of breast cancer tends to be higher among women of African descent.
However, through early detection, awareness creation and access to screening services, a significant impact could be made on lives. Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, the Vice-Chancellor, KNUST, commended the World Cancer Research Fund for funding the study and the dedicated researchers from the KNUST for leading the transformative work.
The VC said the study was a significant milestone in researchers’ collective efforts to advance cancer prevention and improve health attention of the disease in Africa. Prof. Dickson indicated that the findings from the research would not only enhance breast cancer screening efforts in Ghana but also set precedent for other African nations to follow.
She said the KNUST was deeply committed to becoming a leading research-intensive institution, driving innovation and scientific discovery that addressed pressing global and regional challenges. GNA
Management and staff of Owass FM have announced the passing of media personality, comedian and politician Seth Kwame Dzokoto following a medical emergency during a live morning show discussion at the station earlier today.
According to the station, Dzokoto was participating in a panel discussion on its morning show “Oman Nkoso” when he suddenly took ill and collapsed.
A statement from the station said its team immediately rushed him to the hospital for medical attention, but he was pronounced dead by the attending medical doctor upon arrival.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident, which occurred in the course of our regular programming. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all those who have been affected by his passing,” the statement said.
Management acknowledged that information about the incident is already circulating in the public domain, but appealed to the public and colleague media houses to respect the privacy of the bereaved family and refrain from circulating unverified information or speculation regarding the circumstances of his death.
Owass FM extended its heartfelt condolences to the family of Seth Kwame Dzokoto.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The State through the Attorney General (AG) has filed an appeal at the Supreme Court challenging the suspension of the trial in the case of The Republic v Hanan Aludiba and Faiza Seidu.
On Monday, the Court of Appeal suspended the trial in the case. But the prosecution says it has filed an appeal against the suspension order.
According to the update, the law does not allow a criminal trial to be suspended simply because an accused person has complained about some of the charges on the charge sheet, particularly when those complaints were dismissed as meritless.
It argues that if the Court of Appeal’s decision is allowed to stand, no prosecution will ever be possible, since all it would take for a trial to be suspended is an accused person complaining about anything on the charge sheet.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
