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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Editorial

 Ashalaja roads in terrible state

 Dear Editor

 I am writing to bring attention to the bad roads in Asha­laja and its surrounding areas.

It has become a concern for residents and commuters alike.

The state of our roads does not only affects daily travel but also poses significant safety risks and hampers local economic activities.

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Over the past few months, the condition of the roads has worsened considerably.

Potholes have become a common sight, making navigation difficult and dangerous, especially during the rainy season when water collects in these potholes that are gradually becoming ‘manholes.’

This has led to numerous accidents, with both vehicles and pedestrians suffering the consequences.

Many drivers are forced to swerve dangerously to avoid these hazards, putting themselves and others at risk.

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Moreover, the poor road conditions have a direct impact on local businesses.

Delivery trucks struggle to reach their destinations, leading to delays and increased transportation costs.

This does not only affect the profitability of local enterprises but also limits the availability of goods and services for residents.

The economic effect is felt by all, particularly in a community that relies heavily on small businesses for its livelihood.

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I urge the authorities to prioritise the repair of these roads to improve living conditions of people in Ashalaja and its environs.

Benedicta Gyimaah Folley,

Ashalaja

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Editorial

 Know sickle cell status to avoid marital disappointment

 Knowing your sickle cell status before falling in love is advised for young adults planning to be married in the future.

As sickle cell disease (SCD) sufferers have terrible experiences, this will help prevent heartaches, disappointments, and even divorce after having children with SCD later in life.

This is essential to keep people from marrying others who have sickle cell in their genes, which would expose them to the poten­tially fatal consequences of SCD according to Ms. Charlotte Owusu, the founder of the Sickle Cell Con­dition Advocates (SICCA).

During the introduction of a na­tional SCD policy aimed at enhanc­ing comprehensive and coordinated healthcare services for sufferers nationwide Ghanaians, particu­larly the young, were cautioned by Ms. Owusu not to minimise the condition, which causes a health, financial, and societal cost.

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Some people do not check their sickle cell status before getting married, and this has been harming their marriages. Those who have children with sickle cell disease wish it had never been discovered, but it is too late.

Due to their children’s SCD, some people have lost their chil­dren, while others have experi­enced unsuccessful marriages.

According to statistics, one in four Ghanaians are thought to carry the sickle cell trait, which is indicated by the haemoglobin S or C gene. Sadly, some people are unaware of their status.

Also, nine out of 10 Ghanaians, according to national statistics, do not know if they have sickle cell disease (SCD). This situation is made worse by the fact that between 15,000 and 20,000 babies are born with SCD in Ghana each year, which accounts for two per­cent of all live births.

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This is a serious matter, and a lot of education should be done to promote it in the media so that people will take it seriously enough for their own benefit.

Since one in every 50 Ghanaian children is thought to have sickle cell disease, with 50 to 90 per­cent of them passing away before turning five, it is therefore advan­tageous for young people to get screened for the condition as soon as possible.

In order to make the best choice, several religious organi­sations have mandated that pro­spective couples check their status as soon as they begin counselling. Knowing one’s status prior to mar­riage is preferable to being married and then having problems after having children.

It is a positive move, and The Spectator would like to encourage religious leaders to use their plat­forms to inform followers – espe­cially young people – about their position.

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Although there are treatments like hydroxyurea, penicillin, folic acid, and bone marrow transplants, among others, prevention of sickle cell disease is crucial, thus it is actually better to be aware of your status so that you do not marry someone who shares it.

People need to be taught to screen before falling in love and to come clean early in a relationship before it becomes too deep and challenging to end.

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