A former National Science and Mathematics Quiz (NSMQ) champion from Ghana, Benjamin Nketsiah, has been recognised in the United States for developing an artificial intelligence tool designed to help detect and assess risk for triple-negative breast cancer.
Nketsiah, who won the NSMQ in 2020 for PRESEC received an award at Michigan State University for his project, an AI-powered application named She’s Strong.
The system was developed to support early risk detection and improve access to information and care for patients, particularly in West Africa.
The project uses a clinically validated risk assessment approach based on the Tyrer-Cuzick model, helping to categorise users into low, medium, or high risk groups for triple-negative breast cancer.
It also allows users to record symptoms and connect with healthcare professionals.
Speaking after receiving the award, Nketsiah said his motivation came from the high prevalence and aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer in West Africa.
He said his research showed that a significant proportion of breast cancer cases in Ghana are of this type, which does not respond to hormone-based therapies, making early detection especially important.
Nketsiah also co-founded a non-profit organisation under the same name, She’s Strong, which he says aims to support communities through education and digital health tools.
He stressed that the application is not intended to replace medical professionals, but to assist patients in seeking timely clinical care.
The recognition included a $1,000 award credited towards his tuition fees.
Triple-negative breast cancer is known to be more difficult to treat than other forms of the disease, as it does not respond to treatments targeting estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 receptors.
Early diagnosis remains critical to improving survival outcomes.
