By GRACE ALEGBA

Polaris Bank says it will provide free and comprehensive breast cancer screening for 100 women across Nigeria in commemoration of World Cancer Day. The bank also announced support for an ongoing free prostate cancer screening programme targeting 250 persons nationwide.

A statement by the bank on Wednesday said Polaris Bank had earlier sponsored men aged 40 years and above for prostate cancer screening as part of its commitment to preventive healthcare.

According to the statement, the initiative is designed to promote awareness, early detection and preventive care, reinforcing the bank’s belief that access to healthcare services is fundamental to individual and economic wellbeing.

The bank reaffirmed its commitment to community health and social impact with the launch of the nationwide initiative in partnership with its NGO partner, Care Organisation and Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E).

It said the prostate cancer screening is being conducted at the Men’s Clinic, 18 Commercial Avenue, Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, providing accessible and professional medical support for male participants seeking early detection and preventive care.

The bank noted that both initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) three, five and 17.

It explained that SDG 3 supports good health and wellbeing through improved access to preventive healthcare and early detection services, while SDG 5 promotes gender equality by prioritising women’s health and empowerment.

SDG 17, it added, supports partnerships for the goals through strategic collaboration with civil society organisations such as C.O.P.E to deliver community-centred impact.

The statement said educational materials, community engagement sessions and digital awareness campaigns would be deployed to reinforce messages on early detection, healthy lifestyle choices and the importance of regular medical check-ups.

Speaking on the initiative, Mr Rasheed Bolarinwa, Group Head, Brand Management and Corporate Communications, Polaris Bank, said early detection remained 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 for timely medical intervention.

Bolarinwa said the flagship breast cancer screening event would hold on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the C.O.P.E Centre, 39B Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

He said the exercise would 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.

Bolarinwa said participation in the free breast cancer screening programme is open to women who are Polaris Bank account holders, adding that pre-registration is required, 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.

“In parallel, men aged 40 years and above are also invited to take advantage of the ongoing free prostate cancer screening programme at the Men’s Clinic, Sabo, Yaba,” he said. (NAN)