LAGOS- Polaris Bank says it will sponsor free breast cancer screening for 250 Nigerian women, in commemoration of the 2024 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Group Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications of the bank, Rasheed Bolarinwa, announced this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said that the bank’s mission was to ensure early detection needed for successful treatment and survival.
Bolarinwa said that the screening was scheduled for the third and fourth Saturday of October and every third Saturday of every other month.
“Women interested in taking part in the free screening exercise should visit our website or click the link below, or follow us on our social media pages @polarisbankltd for more information and registration details.
“https://www.polarisbanklimited.com/breast-cancer-screening-2024/ and thereafter visit the C.O.P.E. Center at 39B, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria,” he said.
He said that the initiative was part of Polaris Bank’s commitment to women’s health and part of its long-standing efforts and intervention to support breast cancer awareness, behavioural change, advocacy and prevention in Nigeria.
He said that for over a decade, the bank had been working with its partner, a non-governmental organisation, Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), leading in breast cancer advocacy.
He added that the bank had also impacted behavioural change, provided funding support and screened more than 20,000 women across the country.
“This year’s sponsorship further supports the bank’s mission to ensure that more women, particularly those with limited access to healthcare, have the opportunity for early detection, which is vital for successful treatment and survival.
“Breast cancer continues to pose a significant threat to women, not just in Nigeria, but globally.
“As a responsible corporate organisation, we understand the importance of early detection, and we are committed to empowering women with access to this life-saving screening.
“Our partnership with C.O.P.E. is integral to making this service accessible to more women,” he said.
Bolarinwa said in addition to screenings, the bank had continually championed education, advocacy, behavioural change and outreach, encouraging women to engage in regular self-examinations and seek quick medical attention.
The spokesman added that the holistic approach was aimed at building a healthier society while reeling out efforts of the bank, including donation of three state-of-the-art breast cancer screening machines, fitness walks and seminars.
He said that the programmes helped to demystify myths and tackle the stigma associated with cancer, reinforcing Polaris Bank’s dedication to social responsibility and health advocacy.
He said Polaris Bank’s funding of free breast cancer screenings for women in underserved regions aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 which focuses on the prevention of preventable diseases and premature death.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), early detection of breast cancer increases survival rates and reduces treatment costs. (NAN)
