World Cancer Day: Polaris Bank Offers Free Breast Cancer Screening for 100 Women Nationwide

World Cancer Day: Polaris Bank Offers Free Breast Cancer Screening for 100 Women Nationwide

Polaris Bank has marked World Cancer Day 2026 with the launch of a nationwide free breast cancer screening programme for 100 women, reinforcing its commitment to community health, early detection and preventive healthcare across Nigeria.

In commemoration of World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to public health and social impact with the introduction of a nationwide free breast cancer screening initiative, in partnership with its NGO partner, Care Organization and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E).

The initiative is aimed at promoting cancer awareness, early detection and preventive care, underscoring the Bank’s belief that access to quality healthcare is fundamental to individual wellbeing and sustainable economic development.

As part of the 2026 World Cancer Day activities, Polaris Bank will provide free and comprehensive breast cancer screening for 100 women across Nigeria. The initiative complements the Bank’s ongoing sponsorship of a free prostate cancer screening programme for 250 men aged 40 years and above nationwide.

The prostate cancer screening programme is currently being conducted at the Men’s Clinic, located at 18 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, where male participants have access to professional medical services focused on early detection and preventive care.

Both the breast and prostate cancer screening initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by expanding access to preventive healthcare, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) through prioritising women’s health, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) via collaboration with civil society organisations such as C.O.P.E.

In addition to the screenings, Polaris Bank will deploy educational materials, community engagement sessions and digital awareness campaigns to reinforce key 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, emphasised that early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against cancer. He noted that by eliminating financial barriers and bringing screening services closer to communities, the Bank aims to empower individuals 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 10:00am and 2:00pm. The programme 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 is open to women who are Polaris Bank account holders. Pre-registration is mandatory, with selection based on early and confirmed submissions. Interested participants are encouraged to register via the official link: bit.ly/BCS2026.

While the breast cancer screening is targeted at women, Polaris Bank has encouraged men to support the health of their families by urging their wives, daughters and female relatives to participate. Men aged 40 years and above are also invited to take advantage of the ongoing free prostate cancer screening at the Men’s Clinic, Sabo, Yaba.