By Ayomide Otitoju
Polaris Bank has launched a nationwide free breast cancer screening initiative for 100 women as part of activities marking the 2026 World Cancer Day, reaffirming its commitment to community health and social impact.
The initiative, scheduled around World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026, is being implemented in partnership with the Care Organization and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) and is aimed at promoting cancer awareness, early detection and preventive care. The bank said the programme reflects its belief that access to quality healthcare is fundamental to individual wellbeing and sustainable economic development.
Under the initiative, Polaris Bank will provide free and comprehensive breast cancer screening for 100 women across Nigeria. In addition, the bank is supporting an ongoing free prostate cancer screening programme for 250 men aged 40 years and above, which it had earlier sponsored.
The prostate cancer screening is taking place at the Men’s Clinic, located at 18 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, offering accessible and professional medical support to male participants seeking early detection and preventive care.
To strengthen public awareness, Polaris Bank said it will deploy educational materials, community engagement sessions and digital campaigns focused on early detection, healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
Speaking on the initiative, Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, said early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against cancer. He noted that by removing financial barriers and bringing screening services closer to communities, the bank aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to seek timely medical intervention.
The flagship breast cancer screening exercise is scheduled to hold on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the C.O.P.E Centre, 39B Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. The screening will be conducted by trained health professionals and volunteers, who will also provide participants with education on cancer prevention, self-examination and follow-up care.
Participation in the free breast cancer screening programme is open to women who are Polaris Bank account holders, with pre-registration required. Selection will be based on early and confirmed submissions.
While the breast cancer screening is targeted at women, the bank encouraged men to support the health of their families by urging their wives, daughters and female relatives to register and participate. Men are also invited to benefit from the ongoing free prostate cancer screening programme at the Men’s Clinic in Sabo, Yaba.
