Benjamin Nketsiah, a 2020 winner of the National Science and Mathematics Quiz (NSMQ), has received international recognition at Michigan State University for his pioneering project designed to combat triple-negative breast cancer.

His innovation, an AI-powered platform titled “She’s Strong,” was awarded after a competitive selection process where participants presented three-minute video pitches to a panel of judges. As part of the honor, $1,000 was credited toward Nketsiah’s tuition account.

Addressing a Regional Health Crisis

The project was inspired by the high prevalence of triple-negative breast cancer in West Africa. Unlike other forms of the disease, triple-negative breast cancer is particularly aggressive and does not respond to common hormone-based treatments targeting estrogen, progesterone, or the HER2 protein.

"I realised that it is one of the highly prevalent diseases there, such that for every 10 breast cancer patients you get in Ghana, about eight of them have triple-negative," Nketsiah noted.

How the "She’s Strong" Platform Works

The project, which has evolved into a non-profit organization co-founded by Nketsiah, utilizes a software application that focuses on early detection and patient support. Key features of the technology include:

- Risk Assessment: The app uses the clinically verified Tyrer-Cuzick model to categorize users into low, medium, or high-risk groups based on their data.

- AI Patient Navigator: Built on a model similar to ChatGPT-5, the AI provides clinically accurate information to users.

- Clinical Integration: The application tracks user symptoms and connects individuals directly with local clinicians for professional medical intervention.

Bridging the Gap in Healthcare

Despite the advanced AI integration, Nketsiah emphasised that the tool is designed to support, not replace, medical professionals. He stated that the primary goal is ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time through early diagnosis.

While the "She's Strong" team is currently focused on providing relief to communities across West Africa, the software has already begun to see use by individuals globally. Nketsiah described the award as a humbling milestone in his effort to give back to his home sub-region through health technology.