A recent study has revealed a troubling connection between environmental pollution caused by illegal mining activities—commonly known as galamsey—and a spike in breast cancer cases in Ghana’s Eastern Region.

The findings were shared by Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals and Founder of Breast Care International, during an oncology training workshop held in Kumasi for senior journalists and morning show hosts from affected communities.

Dr. Wiafe Addai disclosed that the research, conducted in partnership with the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Somanya and sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals, uncovered dangerous levels of contamination in local water sources due to the use of toxic chemicals in illegal mining operations.

“This is no longer a theory. The data is clear — toxic pollutants from galamsey activities are contributing significantly to the increase in breast cancer diagnoses, especially in mining-affected communities,” she emphasised.

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

She attributed the situation partly to limited awareness, poor access to healthcare, and the toxic environments residents are exposed to daily.

Dr. Wiafe Addai called on the government, civil society organisations, NGOs, and philanthropists to support and invest in local research efforts, stressing that homegrown studies provide more relevant data and solutions tailored to Ghanaian realities.

She also challenged the media to play a more proactive role in combating both cancer and illegal mining by using their platforms to educate the public, demand accountability, and advocate for urgent policy action.