In commemoration of the 2024 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail commercial bank, has announced its sponsorship of free breast cancer screening for 250 Nigerian women.
This initiative reinforces the bank’s long-standing commitment to women’s health and its efforts to support breast cancer awareness, behavioral change, advocacy, and prevention in Nigeria.
For over a decade, Polaris Bank has partnered with the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) to champion breast cancer advocacy, behavioral change communication, funding support, and screening of over 20,000 women across the country.
This year’s sponsorship aims to provide early detection opportunities to women, particularly those with limited access to healthcare.
According to the bank, “Breast cancer continues to pose a significant threat to women globally.
As a responsible corporate organization, we understand the importance of early detection and are committed to empowering women with access to this life-saving screening.”
This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), focusing on preventing needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death.
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that early detection of breast cancer increases survival rates and reduces treatment costs.
Polaris Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda prioritizes health, education, youth/women empowerment, and community development.
The bank has consistently invested in causes positively impacting Nigerians’ lives, demonstrating its commitment to improving public health.
Beyond screenings, Polaris Bank advocates for breast cancer awareness through education, behavioral change, and outreach, encouraging women to engage in regular self-examinations and seek medical attention promptly.
The bank’s footprint in the fight against cancer in Nigeria is remarkable, having sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent cancer patients, provided free breast cancer screenings for over 20,000 women, and donated three state-of-the-art breast cancer screening machines.
Polaris Bank’s dedication to health awareness and community support includes organizing events for breast cancer survivors, such as “Celebrating Our Pink Heroes” and spa outings.
The bank has also presented over 100 prosthetic bras to cancer survivors and part-financed the establishment of the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital.
Women interested in participating in the free screening exercise can visit Polaris Bank’s website or social media pages for registration details.
Polaris Bank’s commitment to responsible business practices and social responsibility has earned it recognition as Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022, and 2021.
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