A recent study has established a disturbing link between the environmental contamination caused by illegal mining, popularly known as ‘galamsey’, and the alarming increase in breast cancer cases in the Eastern Region.
The development, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Peace and Love Hospitals, who doubles as Founder of Breast Care International – Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, revealed was conducted in collaboration with the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Somanya and sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
She made the revelation during a recent oncology [the study of cancer] training workshop held in Kumasi for selected journalists from the Eastern region.
Speaking to the trainee journalists, Dr. Wiafe said it was found that toxic chemicals utilized in illegal mining have severely polluted water sources in the region. This contamination, she asserted, is a significant factor driving the surge in breast cancer diagnoses, particularly in communities located near mining operations.
She emphasized that this is no longer speculation; ‘the data speaks for itself and that they’re seeing a clear and dangerous link between galamsey and the rise in cancer cases.’
Dr.Wiafe Addai expressed concern over the high rate of late-stage breast cancer diagnoses in the region, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment and survival rates, attributing this partly to a lack of awareness and limited access to clean environments and adequate healthcare.
On this note, she urged the government, civil society organizations, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), and philanthropists to invest in local research initiatives.
She highlighted the importance of locally-driven studies in generating relevant data that directly benefits Ghanaian communities.
Dr. Waife challenged media practitioners to actively combat both cancer and illegal mining by using their platforms to educate the public, advocate for change, and hold stakeholders accountable.
