Polaris Bank, a leading digital retail commercial bank in Nigeria, has announced its sponsorship of free breast cancer screenings for 250 women as part of its 2024 Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiative. The initiative is in collaboration with the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E.), and underscores Polaris Bank’s long-standing commitment to promoting women’s health and cancer prevention in the country.
For over a decade, Polaris Bank has actively supported breast cancer advocacy, behavioral change communication, and preventive health measures, screening over 20,000 women across Nigeria. The 2024 initiative continues this legacy, focusing on providing free screenings to women with limited access to healthcare, emphasizing the importance of early detection in increasing survival rates and reducing treatment costs.
“Breast cancer remains a major health threat globally, and we recognize the critical importance of early detection. Our partnership with C.O.P.E. ensures that more Nigerian women, especially those in underserved areas, have access to life-saving screenings,” Polaris Bank said in a statement.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which targets the prevention of diseases and premature death, the bank’s initiative is a significant contribution towards reducing breast cancer mortality in Nigeria. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early detection is crucial for improving survival rates and reducing the cost of treatment.
Polaris Bank’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda includes a focus on health, education, and community development, with this latest breast cancer screening initiative reflecting the bank’s dedication to public health. The bank has also been involved in other health awareness campaigns, such as organizing educational events and outreach programs to promote breast cancer awareness, encourage self-examinations, and support breast cancer survivors.
In addition to screening efforts, Polaris Bank has sponsored the treatment of over 30 cancer patients, donated three state-of-the-art breast cancer screening machines, and hosted events such as a 10-kilometer walk with 2,500 participants to raise awareness. The bank also organized a wellness spa outing for breast cancer survivors, offering therapeutic services and creating a platform for survivors to share their experiences.
Polaris Bank’s impact in the fight against breast cancer has been widely recognized, with stakeholders praising its contributions to improving health outcomes for women in Nigeria. The bank’s continuous efforts to raise awareness and support cancer patients and survivors highlight its commitment to social responsibility and community development.
Women interested in participating in the free screening can find more information and register on Polaris Bank’s website or social media pages. The screenings will take place at the C.O.P.E. Center in Ikeja, Lagos, on the third and fourth Saturdays of October 2024, and continue on the third Saturday of every other month.
Polaris Bank’s efforts have earned the institution accolades, including being named Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year for three consecutive years by BusinessDay’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.