Sandra Musujusu is a student of the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), in Abuja, Nigeria, from Sierra Leon. She gained public attention after she developed an alternative treatment for a type of breast cancer commonly found in Black women.
Her research is being sponsored by the Pan African Materials Institute.
During an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, she stated “My research is actually centered on the development of biodegradable polymers for treatment of breast cancer,” Musujusu told the Tribune. “I will be focusing on triple-negative breast cancer, which is actually the aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is common with women from African ancestry.”
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women around the world. According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, in 2012, there were 1.7 million new cases worldwide
According to the report, about 10-20% of breast cancers — more than one out of every 10 — are found to be triple-negative. Studies have shown that triple-negative breast cancer is more likely to spread beyond the breast and more likely to reocure after treatment. This makes it more aggressive than other types of breast cancer.
On July 6th, 2018, Musujusu shared her alternative treatment for breast cancer with Dr. Jaime Saavedra Chanduvi, World Bank Director and his team during their visit at the University as part of his assessment tour of the 10 African Centres of Excellence (ACE) centers.
The World Bank has committed around $10 billion for the ACE project in Nigeria, to encourage the conduct of top-notch research.
Musujusu’s treatment uses macromolecular science and seeks to develop bio-degradable polymer material which could be used as a method of treatment for breast cancer in the future.
The African Giant Musujusu believes her work is a big step in medical advancements in Africa. “I believe there is a bright future for Africa, and as a woman, there is much more we can do if we are empowered,” she said. “This award given to me by PAMI has empowered me to face my studies with more confidence and actually contribute to the frontier of knowledge and move Africa forward.”
