This, according to her, will help increase the survival rate of victims in the country.

Globally, Breast cancer is the leading cancer for women, and the second leading cause of female cancer deaths.

Recent statistics by the World Health Organization indicate that, over 2000 women in Ghana get the disease and more than 1000 die from it every year.

As alarming as that may be, the organization also projects an increase in numbers in countries like Ghana.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s awareness month celebration,  Mrs Akufo-Addo assured victims of the disease of government’s support.

“If we are to make a head way in improving the sad outcomes of Ghanaians with breast cancer, we cannot ignore these two pillars.

It is therefore not surprising, that the Korle Bu Breast Surgical unit has adopted the theme: Early Detection and Effective Treatment save lives for this year’s October Breast Awareness campaign. This hospital sees over 400 new breast cancer cases every year. Most of the women report with advanced disease, after trying unproven therapies.”

Breast cancer survival in advanced countries has improved over the last few decades. The improvement has been based on two factors; with the first being early detection through effective screening, and the second being effective treatment options made possible through cancer research.

“During this month of October, there will be a lot of publicity and education about breast cancer. Clearly, the problem is late detection and delayed treatment. Effective treatment is available in this country.” she noted.

The First Lady also called on the public to disregard misconceptions about the disease as well as false claims on treatment on the internet and other social media platforms.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about the disease as a result, many women end up in the hospital after trying other treatments; by this time, their cancers are no more curable. I have been informed that over 90% of patients with early breast cancer treated in this hospital survive the disease. This figure, compares with what pertains in the advanced countries. Yet, the majority of our breast cancer patients do not survive breast cancer.”

“I encourage our women to report early and comply with treatment that has been proven to be effective.  It is important that we access proven treatment methods and educate others to do the same.”

–

By: Felicia Osei/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post There’s hope for breast cancer victims – First Lady appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

NAGRAT has threatened to lay down their tools by May 16 if government fails to pay them their 2011/ 2012 increment credit arrears.

NAGRAT has tried several efforts to get government to transfer the contributions of the Ghana Education Service (GES) employees’ share of the pension contributions into the occupational Pension Scheme to be managed by a private fund.

Their efforts have however proved futile, as government has failed to transfer the contributions after four years of deductions.

The teachers have also raised concerns about what they say is the poor handling of their second tier pension scheme and the non-payment of transfer grants.

But the Head of Public Relations at the Education Ministry, Paul Krampah says the Ministry is already in talks with NAGRAT over their demands and so it surprising that the latter has decided to strike.

“Most of the issues they raised are issues being addressed by the Ministry in consultation with its stakeholders,” he said.

He further stated that the Education Ministry cannot be blamed for the delay since the Ministry does not have the mandate to pay salaries.

“The Ministry has not got the mandate to pay the salaries of its employees. The issues relating to payment of arrears actually fall directly under the jurisdiction of the Finance Ministry and what we as a Ministry have been doing is to facilitate the release of funds from the Finance Ministry for the payment to be directed,” he explained.

Commenting on the delay in the payment of the second tier of the teachers’ scheme, Mr. Krampah disclosed that the Education Ministry had written to the Finance Ministry to release funds for the payment.

“Talking about the GES Pension Scheme, the second tier, we have heard about it and what we did as a Ministry was to write to the Controller Accountant Department and the Finance Ministry to actually pay the arrears into the coffers of the scheme so all that we can do is to ensure that those who are responsible for the payment actually perform their duty. We don’t have the mandate to actually make the payment,” he clarified.

By: Marian Efe Ansah/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post NAGRAT’s intended strike is shocking – Education Ministry appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.