A new study reveals that consumers of tuna in Ghana may be at risk of developing cancer due to the accumulation of heavy metals such as cadmium and lead in fish. The study employed the Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) approach to quantify the cancer burden associated with the consumption of contaminated tuna. Researchers used secondary data from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) to support their analysis.

The research aimed to assess the presence of cadmium and lead in selected tuna species commonly landed and consumed in Ghana and to evaluate the associated health risks.

The researchers who are passionate about food systems toxicology and public safety findings indicate that, human activities, particularly mining, significantly contribute to the release and bioavailability of these toxic metals in aquatic ecosystems. Published on medRxiv, the study found that elderly individuals, especially those aged 55 to 89, experienced the highest health burden.

Stomach cancer emerged as the most prevalent condition among both males and females in this age group, highlighting a serious public health concern. “Targeted risk management actions are required to minimize public exposure to these hazards,” the study emphasized.

To help mitigate these risks, researchers including Herman Erick Lutterodt and Isaac W. Ofosu of the KNUST recommended several interventions.

These include routine surveillance of heavy metal levels in fish, public and industry education on pollution prevention, promotion of safe fishing practices, stricter enforcement of fish safety regulations, and structured regulation of the fish industry.