Illegal mining linked to breast cancer surge in Eastern Region: Dr. Wiafe Addai

A recent study has found a troubling link between pollution from illegal mining, known as galamsey, and rising breast cancer cases in Ghana’s Eastern Region.

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai shared these findings during an oncology training workshop in Kumasi. She is the CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals and the Founder of Breast Care International.

The research was conducted with the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Somanya and sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals. It revealed dangerous contamination levels in local water sources due to toxic chemicals used in illegal mining.

“This is no longer a theory,” Dr. Wiafe Addai stated. “Toxic pollutants from galamsey activities are significantly increasing breast cancer diagnoses, especially in affected communities.”

She expressed concern over the high rate of late-stage breast cancer detection in the region. This situation drastically reduces treatment success and survival rates.

Dr. Wiafe Addai attributed this partly to limited awareness and poor healthcare access. Residents are also exposed to toxic environments daily.

She urged the government, civil society organizations, NGOs, and philanthropists to support local research efforts. Homegrown studies provide relevant data and solutions tailored to Ghanaian realities.

Additionally, she challenged the media to take a more active role against cancer and illegal mining. They should use their platforms to educate the public, demand accountability, and advocate for urgent policy action.