Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana (LCCG), a non-governmental organization dedicated to making childhood cancer a national health priority, has issued an appeal to the Ghanaian public.
The organization is specifically calling on corporate bodies, philanthropists, and individuals to provide support for children battling childhood cancers.
LCCG emphasises that early detection of cancer in children, coupled with appropriate treatment, leads to a high probability of a cure.
Naa Martekai Martey, an oncology nurse, noted that the organization has intensified its public awareness campaign to encourage support for these initiatives. LCCG has been providing assistance for several years to ensure that every child, regardless of their location, receives the necessary treatment and support.
Appearing on Rainbow Radio’s Frontline program, Martey stated that when detected early and treated correctly, children with cancer have a much higher chance of being cured. She underscored the need to intensify public education and awareness efforts, as cancer is no longer an affliction of old age, with children increasingly becoming victims.
The month of September is designated as a period to raise awareness about childhood cancers. It is also used to mobilize support through donations, fundraising events, and advocacy to fund research and provide care for affected children and their families.
Nurse Martey reiterated that “early detection of cancer in children is curable when the right treatment is applied.” She stressed the importance of creating public awareness to educate Ghanaians on this critical issue and encouraged families to always seek professional medical care for their children to reduce the risks associated with cancer-related problems.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while most childhood cancers are curable with existing treatments, survival rates vary significantly across the globe. In high-income countries, the cure rate is over 80%, whereas in many low- and middle-income countries, it is less than 30%. This disparity is attributed to delayed or inaccurate diagnoses, inaccessible therapy, and a lack of essential medicines and technology.
Martey also spoke out against families who choose to rely solely on prayer camps and other spiritual approaches without the involvement of professionally trained medical officers. While she did not discourage prayer, she stressed that seeking early professional medical treatment is the most effective approach.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana