Polaris Bank Deepens Cancer Advocacy, Backs Early Detection and Patient Support

…Bank highlights screening initiatives for over 22,000 women, treatment support for indigent patients

Polaris Bank Limited has reiterated its commitment to cancer awareness, early detection and patient support through its partnership with WinCancer Foundation at the foundation’s inaugural WinCancer Games in Lagos.

The event, held at the Whitesands School playground under the theme “Awareness to Action,” brought together participants and stakeholders to promote cancer education, encourage early medical intervention and raise support for individuals and families affected by the disease.

Representing the bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications, said Polaris Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives extend beyond financial services to programmes that address critical social challenges and improve lives.

According to him, the bank measures its impact not only by its financial performance but also by its contributions to the wellbeing of communities and the people it serves.

Bolarinwa noted that Polaris Bank’s commitment to cancer advocacy and patient assistance dates back to its legacy institutions and remains a key component of its social impact agenda.

Through its longstanding partnership with Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), a cancer-focused non-governmental organisation, the bank has supported breast cancer screening for more than 22,000 women, donated three breast cancer screening machines, including a mobile unit, and sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent cancer patients. It has also supported cancer survivors through various interventions.

In 2026, the bank sustained its efforts with initiatives aimed at providing free breast cancer screening for 100 women and prostate cancer screening for 250 men aged 40 and above.

These interventions underscore the bank’s focus on practical measures that improve access to screening, provide assistance to vulnerable patients and strengthen public understanding of cancer prevention and early detection.

Bolarinwa commended WinCancer Foundation for its efforts to raise awareness and support people affected by cancer, stressing that sustained progress requires collaboration among corporate organisations, healthcare professionals, government institutions, advocacy groups and local communities.

He also highlighted the emotional, psychological and financial challenges associated with cancer, noting that patients and survivors need not only medical treatment but also compassion, dignity and dependable support throughout their journey.

The bank, he added, would continue to build on its legacy of community-focused initiatives through partnerships that promote access to care and improve the welfare of vulnerable people.

Founded by Olabisi Oladiran, a two-time breast cancer survivor, WinCancer Foundation was established to address the challenges confronting cancer patients through awareness campaigns, early detection advocacy and patient support.

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, Oluwatumininu Adesioye, a trustee of WinCancer Foundation, said the WinCancer Games was designed to move cancer advocacy beyond awareness campaigns to practical actions that encourage early medical attention and provide meaningful support to patients.

She explained that the theme, “Awareness to Action,” encourages people to pay attention to changes in their bodies, seek professional medical advice, discuss early detection with loved ones and support those undergoing treatment.

Adesioye also highlighted how Oladiran’s personal experience with cancer diagnosis, treatment and the associated financial burden inspired the foundation’s commitment to helping 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 featured sporting activities, community engagement and fundraising initiatives aimed at promoting cancer education and collective responsibility.

Four participating houses represented different cancer advocacy causes: Red House for blood cancers, Blue House for colon cancer, Teal House for ovarian cancer and Gold House for childhood cancer.

The activities reinforced messages of solidarity, resilience and support for people affected by cancer while encouraging participants to take greater responsibility for their health and help others access care.

As part of the campaign, participants were encouraged to seek prompt medical attention when they notice unusual changes in their bodies and consult qualified healthcare professionals about 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 symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer.

Polaris Bank and WinCancer Foundation emphasised that informed conversations, timely medical assessment and appropriate screening remain essential components of sustained cancer awareness and early detection efforts.

Reaffirming the bank’s commitment to social impact, Bolarinwa said corporate social responsibility must be sustained to deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to society.

He encouraged individuals, families and communities to take cancer awareness seriously, seek appropriate medical advice and extend support to people affected by the disease.

He also commended cancer survivors for their courage and resilience, healthcare professionals for their dedication, and advocacy organisations for their continued efforts to improve cancer awareness and patient support across Nigeria.

Through its participation in the WinCancer Games and its longstanding community interventions, Polaris Bank continues to promote the message that effective cancer advocacy requires more than awareness; it demands sustained action, compassion and collaboration.