By Adebola Muili
Polaris Bank Limited has supported breast cancer screening for more than 22,000 women, sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent cancer patients and donated three breast cancer screening machines as part of its sustained efforts to improve cancer awareness and access to care.
The bank also said it had continued its cancer advocacy initiatives in 2026, targeting free breast cancer screening for 100 women and prostate cancer screening for 250 men aged 40 and above.
These interventions formed part of the bank’s commitment to cancer awareness, early detection and patient support, which it reaffirmed during its partnership with WinCancer Foundation at the foundation’s inaugural WinCancer Games held at Whitesands School playground, Lagos, to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa, said the bank’s social responsibility efforts extended beyond financial services to initiatives that improve lives and address critical societal challenges.
He said the bank’s commitment to cancer advocacy and patient assistance had spanned its legacy institutions and remained an integral part of its corporate social responsibility programmes.
“At Polaris Bank, we believe that the true measure of an institution goes beyond financial performance. It is also reflected in the lives we touch, the communities we support and the positive impact we create in society,” Bolarinwa said.
He explained that the bank’s longstanding collaboration with Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), a cancer-focused non-governmental organisation, had enabled it to support screening, provide equipment and assist patients who could not afford treatment.
Bolarinwa commended WinCancer Foundation for its efforts to promote cancer awareness and support people affected by the disease, noting that sustained progress required collaboration among corporate organisations, healthcare professionals, government institutions, advocacy groups and communities.
He also drew attention to the emotional, psychological and financial difficulties associated with cancer, stressing that patients and survivors needed more than medical attention.
According to him, encouragement, dignity and reliable support are essential to helping people navigate diagnosis and treatment, particularly those facing financial hardship.
The bank representative reiterated that Polaris Bank would continue to build on its community-focused interventions through partnerships aimed at improving access to care and supporting vulnerable members of society.
Founded by Olabisi Oladiran, a two-time breast cancer survivor, WinCancer Foundation was established to address challenges faced by cancer patients through awareness, early detection advocacy and practical assistance.
Although initially focused on breast cancer, the foundation has expanded its advocacy to include ovarian, colon, blood and childhood cancers.
Its interventions include community education, food assistance for patients and their families, care packages containing essential medical supplies and referrals to partner hospitals for testing and further medical assessment.
Speaking at the event, a trustee of WinCancer Foundation, Oluwatumininu Adesioye, said the initiative was designed to move cancer advocacy beyond conversations to practical action.
She explained that the theme, “Awareness to Action,” encouraged people to seek appropriate medical advice, pay attention to changes in their bodies, discuss early detection with loved ones and support those undergoing treatment.
Adesioye said the foundation was inspired by Oladiran’s personal experience of diagnosis, treatment and the financial burden of cancer, which motivated her to extend assistance to others facing similar challenges.
She added that proceeds from the WinCancer Games, including ticket sales, donations and vendor participation, would help sustain the foundation’s patient support programmes.
The inaugural games brought participants together through sporting activities, community engagement and fundraising to promote cancer education and collective responsibility.
Four participating houses represented different cancer advocacy causes, with Red House representing blood cancers, Blue House for colon cancer, Teal House for ovarian cancer and Gold House for childhood cancer.
Participants were also encouraged to seek prompt medical attention when they noticed unusual changes in their bodies and consult qualified healthcare professionals on appropriate screening based on their age, medical history and individual risk factors.
For breast cancer, changes such as a new lump, alterations in breast size or shape, skin changes or unusual nipple discharge warrant medical evaluation, although such changes do not necessarily indicate cancer.
Bolarinwa urged individuals, families and communities to take cancer awareness seriously, support people undergoing treatment and recognise the contributions of survivors, healthcare professionals and advocacy organisations to improving cancer care in Nigeria.
He maintained that corporate social responsibility should be a sustained effort capable of delivering meaningful and lasting benefits to society.
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