The CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals and Founder of Breast Care International, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, has raised serious concerns about the increasing cases of breast cancer and other related cancers in Ghana, particularly in the Eastern Region. She attributes this worrying trend to the harmful effects of illegal mining activities.
Speaking at a two-day oncology training workshop held in Kumasi for selected senior journalists and morning show hosts from the Eastern Region, Dr. Wiafe Addai disclosed that a research study conducted by her organization in collaboration with the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Somanya — and sponsored by Teva Pharmaceuticals — has revealed a direct link between illegal mining activities and the rise in cancer cases.
The study found that chemicals used by illegal miners have contaminated water bodies in the Eastern Region. According to her, this contamination has been directly linked to the increasing incidence of breast cancer, especially in mining communities.
Dr. Wiafe Addai also expressed concern over the late-stage presentation of cases from the Eastern Region, which makes treatment more difficult and reduces survival rates.
She called on the government, civil society, non-governmental organizations, and well-meaning individuals to invest in local research, emphasizing the importance of retaining data and findings within the country. Unlike foreign-sponsored studies, she noted, locally-driven research ensures that the benefits remain in Ghana.
Dr. Wiafe Addai further urged media practitioners to become advocates in the fight against cancer and illegal mining, and to help raise awareness to address the health crisis facing affected communities.
Dr. Kwabena Opoku Adusei, on his part, added that breast cancer is no longer a problem only for the aged; increasingly, young people are being diagnosed with the disease.
According to him, it is about time the youth began paying attention to their breast health and reported any changes or concerns as soon as they are noticed.
He also urged the public to show compassion to patients in such situations, as this support can play a crucial role in their recovery and treatment process.
The Chief of Oduom in the Ashanti Region, Nana Osei Amankwah III, has commended Peace and Love Hospitals and Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai for their unwavering commitment to the fight against breast cancer and other related cancers in the country. He also praised the initiative to train journalists in oncology to enhance public education on cancer-related issues.
He further advised the media to actively support the fight against breast cancer by helping to dispel myths and misinformation, particularly those promoting unapproved remedies and concoctions falsely claimed to cure breast cancer and other forms of cancer.
He further advised the media to actively support the fight against breast cancer by helping to dispel myths and misinformation, particularly those promoting unapproved remedies and concoctions falsely claimed to cure breast cancer and other forms of cancer.
