In commemoration of World Cancer Day, marked 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 aims to promote cancer awareness, screening, early detection, and preventive care, reinforcing the Bank’s belief that access to quality healthcare is a critical foundation for individual wellbeing and sustainable economic development.

As part of its 2026 World Cancer Day activities, 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 programme for 250 men aged 40 years and above, which it earlier sponsored nationwide.

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 support for early detection and preventive care.

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 and early detection services; SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by prioritising women’s health and empowerment; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration with civil society organisations such as C.O.P.E.

In addition to 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, Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications, Polaris Bank, emphasised 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, Polaris Bank aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources they need to seek timely medical intervention,” he said.

The flagship breast cancer screening event will hold on 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, ensuring participants receive both screening services and educational guidance on cancer prevention, self-examination, and follow-up care.

Participation in the free breast cancer screening programme is subject to the following requirements: Applicants must be women, Applicants must be Polaris Bank account holders, Pre-registration is mandatory, 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 targets women, Polaris Bank encourages 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.