From Awareness To Action: Polaris Bank Partners WinCancer Foundation To Drive Cancer Screening And Patient Support In Lagos

Polaris Bank Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to cancer advocacy, awareness, early detection and patient support through its partnership with WinCancer Foundation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The bank participated in the inaugural WinCancer Games held at Whitesands School playground, Lagos, themed Awareness to Action. The event was designed to move cancer awareness beyond conversations into practical steps that encourage early medical attention, screening and support for affected families.

Representing Polaris Bank at the event, Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications, Rasheed Bolarinwa, said the bank believes true impact goes beyond financial performance. According to him, Polaris Bank measures its success by the lives it touches and the communities it supports.

Bolarinwa said the bank’s commitment to cancer advocacy spans its legacy institutions and remains a core part of its corporate social responsibility. He noted that through its longstanding collaboration with Care Organisation Public Enlightenment, C.O.P.E, the bank has supported breast cancer screening for more than 22,000 women, donated three breast cancer screening machines including a mobile unit, sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent patients and supported survivors.

In 2026, the bank continued its intervention with free breast cancer screening for 100 women and prostate cancer screening for 250 men aged 40 and above. He said this shows the bank’s focus on practical solutions beyond awareness.

He commended WinCancer Foundation for its work in cancer education and patient care, stressing that progress against cancer requires collaboration among corporate bodies, healthcare professionals, government, advocacy groups and communities. He added that cancer comes with emotional, psychological and financial challenges and patients need encouragement, dignity and reliable support beyond medical treatment.

WinCancer Foundation was founded by Olabisi Oladiran, a two-time breast cancer survivor, to address challenges faced by people affected by cancer. Although it started with breast cancer, the foundation now covers ovarian, colon, blood and childhood cancers. It provides community education, food assistance for patients and families, care packages with essential medical supplies and referrals to partner hospitals.

Trustee of the Foundation, Oluwatumininu Adesioye, said the WinCancer Games was created to translate awareness to action. She explained that the theme encourages people to pay attention to changes in their bodies, seek medical advice, discuss early detection with loved ones and support those in treatment. She said proceeds from the games including ticket sales, donations and vendor participation will sustain patient support interventions.

The inaugural games brought participants together through sports, community engagement and fundraising. Four houses represented different 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 promoted solidarity, resilience and collective responsibility.

Participants were advised to understand their bodies, seek prompt medical attention when they notice unusual changes and consult qualified healthcare professionals about appropriate screening based on age, medical history and risk factors. For breast cancer, symptoms such as a new lump, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes or unusual nipple discharge should be evaluated medically, though not every change means cancer.

Bolarinwa reiterated that corporate social responsibility must be sustained to create lasting impact. He encouraged individuals and families to take cancer awareness seriously, seek medical advice and support people affected by the disease. He also commended cancer survivors, healthcare workers and advocacy groups for their efforts in improving awareness and patient support in Nigeria.

Through its participation in the WinCancer Games, Polaris Bank continues to push the message that awareness must be matched with action, compassion and collaboration.