Odadeɛ Benjamin Nketsiah, a triumphant champion of the 2020 National Science and Mathematics Quiz (NSMQ), has garnered international recognition for his innovative AI-powered project, “She’s Strong,” designed to detect triple-negative breast cancer. The award ceremony took place at Michigan State University in the United States, where Nketsiah presented his project via a three-minute video submission and received a $1000 tuition award.
Addressing a Critical Health Challenge
Nketsiah’s project addresses a significant health disparity, particularly in West Africa, where triple-negative breast cancer exhibits a high prevalence. He noted that approximately eight out of every ten breast cancer patients in Ghana are diagnosed with this aggressive form of the disease.
Triple-negative breast cancer is characterized by its rapid spread and resistance to common hormone-based treatments. Unlike other forms of breast cancer, it does not respond to therapies targeting estrogen, progesterone, or the HER2 protein, making treatment more challenging.
The “She’s Strong” Initiative
Motivated by the challenges faced by patients in West Africa, Nketsiah established a non-profit organization named ‘She’s Strong’. This organization aims to facilitate timely breast cancer treatment and support affected communities.
The core of the initiative is a software application that leverages the clinically verified Tyrer-Cuzick model for risk assessment. Users provide responses to a series of questions, allowing the application to determine their risk level for triple-negative breast cancer.
Beyond risk assessment, the application is designed to store user-reported symptoms and can connect individuals with local clinicians for further evaluation and treatment. Nketsiah emphasized that the AI patient navigator functions similarly to advanced models like ChatGPT-5, ensuring clinically accurate responses.
Empowering Early Detection
Nketsiah stressed that the application is a supplementary tool and not a replacement for professional medical advice. He underscored the critical importance of in-person consultations with healthcare providers for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
The project’s development represents Nketsiah’s commitment to giving back to his home region and improving health outcomes through technological innovation. He expressed his humility and gratitude for the award, viewing it as validation of his efforts.
Future Outlook
While the ‘She’s Strong’ organization has developed a software application currently used globally, the team plans to expand its reach and impact. The success of “She’s Strong” highlights the growing potential of AI in healthcare, particularly in addressing specific and aggressive diseases like triple-negative breast cancer. The focus will likely remain on enhancing accessibility to risk assessment tools and facilitating early detection, especially in underserved regions. Continued development and partnerships could significantly improve survival rates for this challenging condition.
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