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Women asked to seek early help for breast cancer
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Dr Constantini
A consultant Obstetrician Gynecologist, Dr Dixie Constantini has cautioned women against self-medication on suspicion of anything unusual about their breasts.
“A breast infection that does not go away even after using multiple antibiotics should make you worry. You should see a doctor to confirm whether it is cancer or not. Don’t keep taking antibiotics. Early detection saves lives,” she said.
Dr. Constantini said this in an interview with The Spectator as part of her public education on breast cancer.
She said the discovery of anything unusual should not be taken for granted; “it must be followed immediately with a visit to the doctor to take a look.
“Go to the hospital to be screened; stay healthy and remember that early detection increases your chances of survival. Don’t take your life for granted. Don’t try to treat yourself at home because you are not a doctor. If you delay, it might be too late,” she said.
She advised women to desist from making herbalists or pastors their first point of call on suspicion of suspect breast cancer cases.
“The longer you wait, the more you reduce your chances of survival. Lots of death by breast cancer are preventable,” she said.
The Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist said breast cancer was one of the most common cancers found in women, adding that the fact that a person is a female put her at risk.
She said there were a couple of things that could put a person at risk of breast cancer however, but are also not automatic signals that one may get the disease at all cost.
She said a person who had ever used contraceptives or used contraceptives after menopause was placed at a slight risk.
Dr. Constantini observed that carrying breast cancer genes, not ever having children, early menarche, that is, first menses or late menopause usually after 55 years, radiation to your chest wall were also risk factors.
She also mentioned the cause as having a dense breast, having children late in life (usually after 28), being obese, smoking, drinking alcohol, certain breast lesions among others.
She said some symptoms to look out for included a thickened area of the breast that does not go away, a dimple on the breast that does not go away, a scab-like red or white crusted surface on the nipple that become sore and does not also go away.
“Breast infection doesn’t go away despite antibiotic therapy, when the breast feel swollen, reddened and painful. If antibiotics don’t improve situation after one week, see a doctor to take a look at it” she cautioned.
She said a breast lump does not always mean a person has cancer but it was important for a woman to have it checked.
Dr. Constantini said newly appearing blood vessels or veins were usually not a sign of cancer.
“This is a rare symptom; more often it is connected to weight gain, breastfeeding or Mondor’s disease. However, if veins become more pronounced on the skin outside of these changes, on the breast or near the collarbone (and sometimes accompanied with a swollen arm) this could be a sign of a breast cancer tumour near the surface of the skin, drawing more blood to itself,” she cautioned.
She said if one breast changes size, flattened, swollen or droops unexpectedly and does not seem to be connected to a menstrual cycle, they should not be taken for granted.
She said it was also important that women who were undergoing treatment for breast cancer strictly adhered to the treatment procedures and not allowed themselves to be distracted by others who were not medical personnel.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.
The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey
