…Bank partners WinCancer Foundation to promote awareness, screening and community support
LAGOS, Nigeria — Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to cancer awareness, early detection and patient support through its partnership with the WinCancer Foundation at the foundation’s inaugural WinCancer Games held at Whitesands School playground, Lagos.
The event, organised to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, was held under the theme “Awareness to Action,” emphasising the need to translate cancer education into practical steps that encourage early medical attention, improve access to screening and support individuals and families affected by the disease.
Representing the bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications, said Polaris Bank’s commitment to social impact extends beyond financial services to initiatives that address critical societal challenges and improve lives.
According to Bolarinwa, the bank measures its success not only by financial performance but also by its contributions to communities and the positive changes it creates in society.
He explained that Polaris Bank’s cancer advocacy and patient assistance programmes build on the legacy of its predecessor institutions and remain an important part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Through its longstanding partnership with cancer-focused non-governmental organisation Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), the bank has supported breast cancer screening for more than 22,000 women, donated three breast cancer screening machines, including a mobile unit, and sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent cancer patients. It has also provided support for cancer survivors.
In 2026, Polaris Bank sustained its interventions with initiatives targeting free breast cancer screening for 100 women and prostate cancer screening for 250 men aged 40 and above.
Bolarinwa commended the WinCancer Foundation for its efforts to advance cancer awareness and provide support for affected individuals, stressing that meaningful progress requires collaboration among corporate organisations, healthcare professionals, government agencies, advocacy groups and communities.
He noted that cancer patients often face significant emotional, psychological and financial challenges, adding that beyond medical treatment, they need encouragement, dignity and dependable support throughout their recovery journey.
The bank, he said, would continue to strengthen community-focused interventions through partnerships that improve access to care and support vulnerable members of society.
Founded by Olabisi Oladiran, a two-time breast cancer survivor, WinCancer Foundation was established to address the challenges confronting cancer patients through awareness campaigns, early detection advocacy and practical assistance.
Although initially focused on breast cancer, the foundation has expanded its advocacy to cover ovarian, colon, blood and childhood cancers.
Its interventions include community education, food assistance for patients and their families, care packages containing essential medical supplies, and referrals to partner hospitals for testing and further medical assessment.
Speaking at the event, Oluwatumininu Adesioye, a trustee of the foundation, said the WinCancer Games was designed to move cancer advocacy beyond conversations to tangible action.
She explained that the “Awareness to Action” campaign encourages people to seek appropriate medical advice, pay attention to changes in their bodies, discuss early detection with loved ones and support those undergoing treatment.
Adesioye added that Oladiran’s personal experience with cancer diagnosis, treatment and the associated financial burden inspired the foundation’s commitment to helping others facing similar challenges.
She noted that proceeds from ticket sales, donations and vendor participation at the games would contribute to sustaining the foundation’s patient support programmes.
The inaugural WinCancer Games featured sporting activities, community engagement and fundraising designed to promote cancer education and collective responsibility.
Four participating houses represented different cancer advocacy causes: Red House for blood cancers, Blue House for colon cancer, Teal House for ovarian cancer and Gold House for childhood cancer.
The activities promoted solidarity, resilience and support for people affected by cancer while encouraging participants to take responsibility for their health and help others access care.
Participants were also encouraged to seek prompt medical attention when they notice unusual bodily changes and consult qualified healthcare professionals about appropriate screening based on their age, medical history and individual risk factors.
For breast cancer, warning signs such as a new lump, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes or unusual nipple discharge require medical evaluation, although such changes do not necessarily indicate cancer.
Reiterating the importance of sustained corporate social responsibility, Bolarinwa said the bank remained committed to initiatives that deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to society.
He urged individuals, families and communities to take cancer awareness seriously, seek appropriate medical advice and support people living with the disease.
The bank also commended cancer survivors for their courage and resilience, healthcare professionals for their dedication, and advocacy organisations for their continued efforts to improve cancer awareness and patient support across Nigeria.
Through its partnership with WinCancer Foundation and its longstanding community interventions, Polaris Bank continues to promote the message that effective cancer advocacy requires more than awareness—it demands timely action, compassion and sustained collaboration.
