From NSMQ Star to Tech Innovator: Benjamin Nketsiah Honored for AI Breast Cancer Detection App

Odadeɛ Benjamin Nketsiah, a standout performer and champion of the 2020 National Science and Mathematics Quiz (NSMQ) for Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School (PRESEC-Legon), has received prestigious recognition for his pioneering work in health technology. His AI-powered project, titled "She’s Strong," focuses on the early detection of triple-negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive form of the disease. This achievement, recognized at Michigan State University, includes a $1,000 award towards his tuition, marking a significant milestone for the young innovator who is now applying his academic prowess to address critical healthcare gaps in West Africa.

The "She's Strong" application utilizes the sophisticated Tyrer-Cuzick model to evaluate a user’s risk of developing breast cancer. By integrating artificial intelligence, the platform offers a streamlined pathway for individuals to assess their health status and, crucially, connects those at high risk directly with local clinicians. Nketsiah’s initiative is particularly timely given the prevalence of breast cancer in Ghana and the broader West African region, where late diagnosis often hampers successful treatment outcomes. The project is supported by a non-profit organization founded by Nketsiah, which aims to provide community-level assistance and education to combat the disease effectively.

While the application represents a major leap in accessible health technology, Nketsiah emphasizes that the tool is designed to complement, not replace, professional medical consultation. Its primary function is to serve as an early warning system, encouraging users to seek formal medical intervention at a stage when treatment is most effective. As healthcare systems globally lean more into digital transformation, Nketsiah’s work exemplifies how young Ghanaian scholars are leveraging international academic platforms to build solutions tailored to local challenges, potentially saving lives through the strategic application of artificial intelligence.