Polaris Bank Sponsors Free Breast Cancer Screenings for Nigerian Women

Polaris Bank, a prominent digital retail commercial bank in Nigeria, has announced its sponsorship of complimentary breast cancer screenings for 250 women. This initiative is part of the bank’s efforts to honor October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The bank’s commitment is aimed at supporting underserved populations by providing access to essential health screenings. This effort is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all individuals.

As per a statement from Polaris Bank, their involvement emphasizes early detection, an element crucial for better survival rates and reduced treatment costs related to cancer. “This year’s programme particularly targets underserved communities, highlighting the importance of early detection in improving survival outcomes,” the statement added.

For over a decade, the bank has collaborated with Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E.), a non-governmental organization, to deliver screenings to more than 20,000 women. Additionally, the bank has provided funding for the treatment of over 30 cancer patients.

Beyond facilitating screenings, Polaris Bank is committed to educating and raising awareness through advocacy and outreach projects. The bank encourages women to perform regular self-examinations and seek medical attention promptly. It further supports a camaraderie among survivors through initiatives such as “Celebrating Our Pink Heroes” and by distributing prosthetic bras to those affected.

Polaris Bank has also invested in infrastructural developments, such as co-financing the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital (MRCC) in Sub-Saharan Africa. This investment aims to enhance healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialized care.

Women who wish to participate in the free screening can find details on Polaris Bank’s website or social media platforms. The screenings are scheduled for the third and fourth Saturdays of October, and every third Saturday thereafter at the C.O.P.E. Centre in Lagos. Recognized as Nigeria’s “Digital Bank of the Year” from 2021 to 2023, Polaris Bank leverages its digital capabilities to promote health awareness and empower women with crucial healthcare services,” said Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria.

According to the World Health Organization, early detection is critical in increasing survival rates and reducing the costs of treatment. Polaris Bank’s initiative is seen as a major boost to healthcare in Nigeria, particularly for women in underserved regions.