Polaris Bank, and its long-standing NGO, Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E) partnered on reducing the mortality rate of breast cancer in Nigeria through awareness, screening, counselling, referral, education, enlightenment and advocacy, Care. Organisation.
Polaris Bank and C.O. P.E also used the occasion to celebrate their over 15 years of strategic partnership in the fight against breast cancer, spanning the days of the legacy institutions preceding Polaris Bank, which has culminated in significant milestones, tangible interventions and outcomes.
Among the key interventions by Polaris Bank are; screening of over 22,000 women for breast cancer, including female staff, customers of the bank and members of the public through the bank’s cancer prevention intervention programme.
Other key interventions include the donation of three ultra-modern breast cancer screening machines, including a mobile screening machine to enhance quality diagnosis and clinical practices; sponsorship of treatment of over 30 indigent cancer patients; and hosting of a 10-km/6-km walk with over 3,100 participants in Lagos to draw public attention to the breast cancer scourge and advocating for healthy lifestyle through collaboration and partnership with C.O.P.E.
At a joint media briefing to commemorate this year’s World Cancer Day held in Lagos, the managing director/CEO of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, stated, “at Polaris Bank, we believe that every Nigerian deserves a chance to live a healthy life, and more importantly, we are passionate about alleviating the suffering of the vulnerable in our society. This is why we are committed to supporting breast cancer advocacy in Nigeria; to empower women, save lives, and make a meaningful difference in our communities.’’
Represented by the group head, Customer Experience and Value Management of the Bank, Bukola Oluyadi assured that Polaris Bank would not relent in its fight against cancer in Nigeria, as well as doing all that is possible to support cancer patients and survivors.
“At Polaris Bank, we care about the well-being of our staff, customers, and communities. We are committed to supporting cancer patients and survivors in Nigeria by continuing to partner with C.O. P.E, thereby enabling many more people to access quality health, and promoting health, hope and healing,’’ he added.
Founder/CEO of C.O.P.E, Ebun Anozie, acknowledged the Polaris Bank for its exceptional passionate support and care for cancer patients and survivors in Nigeria.
She emphasised that early detection and screening are the most effective ways to reduce the cancer burden.
She urged both women and men over the age of 40 to make it a habit to undergo annual medical check-ups.
She stated that the fight against cancer must be a collective one, which informed the global theme for this year’s World Cancer Day, which is ‘United by Unique’.
