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.
Editorial
ECG PowerApp: A mixed bag of technical issues, uncredited payment concerns
Dear Editor,
On February 18, 2020, the former Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, launched the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) PowerApp, a mobile application designed in-house by staff of ECG.
It was to improve its service delivery to its customers.
The development of the app also meant that customers of ECG would now have the opportunity to purchase power and pay bills using their mobile phones.
That means customers of ECG would no longer have to join long queues to purchase power, but could now do that at their own convenience and in the comfort of their homes.
According to the Communication Officer, the PowerApp has increased annual revenue growth for the company.
He said as of April 2024, the new application system had increased its annual revenue growth by 128 per cent as compared to the old system at negative seven per cent.
Despite these reasons for which the app was developed and the benefits it has brought to ECG, there have been growing concerns among a section of the public on its use.
Some have argued that they were not credited after using the app to recharge their prepaid meter while the money was deducted from their MoMo accounts.
Such experience has made some customers vow not use the app to recharge their prepaid meters but rather go to prepaid vendors nearby to purchase credit. Some are even prepared to travel to far places to purchase prepaid credits.
I think such experience does not speak well of ECG because it could affect public trust in the company in its service delivery. This is the more reason why the ECG has to take the concerns raised by its customers seriously.
Kofi Bruce,
Mampong
Editorial
Our women can deliver
Dear Editor,
I write to congratulate the women that have so far caught the attention of President John Dramani Mahama for ministerial appointment.
So far, over 10 women have been vetted already and they all gave a very good account of themselves and I hope that they perform to the best of their abilities.
This is a good sign from President Mahama who demonstrated a strong resolve to provide an enabling environment for the women to be part of decision making by choosing a woman as his Vice President.
And true to his word, a number of women have been appointed in ministerial positions and others as presidential staffers.
I believe the other appointments to come would also have women making the cut.
This would be a morale booster for the young women out there who thinks that their position is the kitchen or in a man’s house as a wife.
This is a clear case of women given the urge to aim to rise above what society and traditional norms have set for them. I wish them well.
Maame Atta,
Kokompe
