As part of activities marking World Cancer Day 2026, Polaris Bank has launched a nationwide free breast cancer screening initiative for women, reaffirming its commitment to community health and social impact.
The initiative, announced ahead of 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 healthcare across Nigeria.
Under the programme, Polaris Bank will provide free and comprehensive breast cancer screening for 100 women nationwide. The Bank is also supporting an ongoing free prostate cancer screening programme for 250 men aged 40 years and above, further strengthening its focus on inclusive healthcare interventions.
The prostate cancer screening exercise is currently being conducted at the Men’s Clinic, located at 18 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, where participants receive professional medical support focused on early detection and preventive care.
According to the Bank, both initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through improved access to preventive healthcare, SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by prioritizing women’s health, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration with civil society organizations such as C.O.P.E.
Beyond screenings, Polaris Bank said it 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, Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, stressed that 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, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to seek timely medical intervention,” he said.
The flagship breast cancer screening event 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 exercise will be conducted by trained health professionals and volunteers, with participants also receiving guidance 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. Interested applicants are required to pre-register, with selection based on early and confirmed submissions. Registration can be completed via bit.ly/BCS2026.
While the breast cancer screening is targeted at women, Polaris Bank encouraged men to support the health of their families by urging their wives, daughters, and female relatives to register. Men aged 40 years and above are also invited to take advantage of the ongoing free prostate cancer screening at the Men’s Clinic in Sabo, Yaba.