In commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Polaris Bank, a prominent digital retail bank in Nigeria, has announced its sponsorship of free breast cancer screenings for 250 women. This initiative reflects the bank’s commitment to advancing women’s health and aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages.
The bank’s efforts are centered on providing underserved communities with access to critical health services, contributing to the fight against breast cancer. Through its long-standing partnership with the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E.), an NGO dedicated to cancer awareness and prevention, Polaris Bank has facilitated screenings for over 20,000 women and supported treatment for more than 30 breast cancer patients over the past decade.
This year’s screening initiative targets underserved areas, emphasizing the importance of early detection, which significantly increases survival rates and reduces treatment costs. In addition to screenings, Polaris Bank is actively involved in raising awareness through education, advocacy, and outreach programs. The bank encourages women to perform regular self-examinations and seek prompt medical attention, fostering a culture of early detection that could lead to better health outcomes in the future.
Polaris Bank’s commitment to women’s health also extends to community-based initiatives, such as “Celebrating Our Pink Heroes,” which offers breast cancer survivors a platform to share their experiences and help dispel the stigma associated with the disease. The bank has previously distributed prosthetic bras to survivors through its partnership with C.O.P.E., enhancing both physical support and self-esteem.
Beyond screenings, Polaris Bank has played a role in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure. Notably, the bank co-financed the establishment of the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital (MRCC), one of sub-Saharan Africa’s leading cancer treatment facilities. This investment has bolstered access to specialized care, further underscoring Polaris Bank’s dedication to improving healthcare services in the region.
Women interested in participating in this year’s screening initiative can find more information on the bank’s website or social media channels. Screenings will be conducted at the C.O.P.E. Centre in Lagos on the third and fourth Saturdays of October, and will continue every third Saturday thereafter.
Recognized as Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year from 2021 to 2023, Polaris Bank continues to leverage its digital prowess to promote public health awareness and empower women with essential healthcare services. Through its ongoing initiatives, the bank aims to create a lasting impact on women’s health across Nigeria.
