February 2, 2026 — In commemoration of World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, 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 Organization and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E).
The initiative is aimed at promoting cancer awareness, screening, 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 activities marking World Cancer Day 2026, 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 nationwide.
The prostate cancer screening is currently being conducted at the Men’s Clinic, located at 18, Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, offering accessible and professional medical services for early detection and preventive care.
Both initiatives align directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving access to preventive healthcare and early detection services; SDG 5 (Gender Equality) through prioritising women’s health and empowerment; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) via strategic collaboration with civil society organisations such as C.O.P.E to deliver community-focused impact.
To further strengthen the campaign, 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, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa, said early detection remains one of the most effective tools in the fight against cancer.
According to him, by removing financial barriers and bringing screening services closer to communities, the Bank aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources required to seek timely medical intervention.
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, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
The screening will be conducted by trained health professionals and volunteers, ensuring participants receive both medical screening and educational 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.
Eligible 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 register and participate. Men are also invited to take advantage of the ongoing free prostate cancer screening programme at the Men’s Clinic, Sabo, Yaba.
