By Ayomide Otitoju
In commemoration of World Cancer Day on February 4, 2026, Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to community health and social impact with the launch of a nationwide free breast cancer screening initiative, in partnership with its NGO partner, Care Organisation and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E).
The initiative aims to promote cancer awareness, screening, early detection and preventive care, underscoring the bank’s position that access to healthcare services is essential to individual wellbeing and sustainable economic development.
As part of the programme, Polaris Bank will provide free and comprehensive breast cancer screening for 100 women across Nigeria. The bank is also supporting an ongoing free prostate cancer screening exercise for 250 men aged 40 years and above, which it had previously sponsored.
The prostate cancer screening is being conducted at the Men’s Clinic, located at 18 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, offering accessible and professional medical services to male participants seeking early detection and preventive care.
The initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, Goal 5 on Gender Equality through the prioritisation of women’s health, and Goal 17 on Partnerships for the Goals, reflecting collaboration with civil society organisations to deliver community-focused impact.
In addition to screening services, the bank will deploy educational materials, community engagement sessions and digital awareness campaigns to reinforce messages on early detection, healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
Speaking on the initiative, the Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa, said early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against cancer.
“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,” he said.
The flagship breast cancer screening exercise is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the C.O.P.E Centre, 39B Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The exercise will be conducted by trained health professionals and volunteers, who will also provide educational guidance on cancer prevention, self-examination and follow-up care.
Participation in the free breast cancer screening is open to women who hold Polaris Bank accounts, with pre-registration required and selection based on early and confirmed submissions.
While the breast cancer screening targets women, the bank encouraged men to support the health of their families by urging eligible female relatives to participate. Men aged 40 years and above are also invited to benefit from the ongoing free prostate cancer screening at the Men’s Clinic in Sabo, Yaba.
