L-R: Olabisi Oladiran, Founder WinCancer Foundation; Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head, Brand Management & Corporate Communications, Polaris Bank; Oluwatumininu Adesioye,Trustee WinCancer Foundation and Adaku S. Nwankwo, Digital PR Executive, Polaris Bank at the Inaugural WinCancer Games Event held at WhiteSands School Playing ground, Lekki Lagos to mark breast cancer month recently.
Susan Abayomi
Polaris Bank Limited has reiterated its commitment to cancer awareness, early detection and patient support through its partnership with WinCancer Foundation during the 2026 Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The Bank demonstrated its commitment at the inaugural WinCancer Games, held at Whitesands School playground in Lagos under the theme, “Awareness to Action.”
The event brought together participants through sporting activities, cancer education and fundraising to promote early detection and support for people affected by the disease.
Speaking at the event, Rasheed Bolarinwa, Head of Brand Management and Corporate Communications at Polaris Bank, said the institution’s social responsibility initiatives extend beyond financial services to addressing critical societal challenges and improving lives.
He explained that the Bank measures its impact not only through financial performance but also through its contributions to communities and the positive changes it helps create.
Bolarinwa noted that cancer advocacy and patient assistance had remained important aspects of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, building on the efforts of its legacy institutions.
Through its longstanding partnership with Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), Polaris 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. The Bank has also provided support for cancer survivors.
In 2026, the financial institution continued its interventions with initiatives targeting free breast cancer screening for 100 women and prostate cancer screening for 250 men aged 40 and above.
According to Bolarinwa, these efforts reflect the importance of moving beyond awareness campaigns to practical interventions that improve access to screening, treatment assistance and community education.
He commended WinCancer Foundation for its work in promoting cancer awareness and supporting affected individuals and families. He also emphasised the need for collaboration among businesses, healthcare professionals, government agencies, advocacy organisations and communities to strengthen cancer prevention and patient support.
He added that a cancer diagnosis often brings emotional, psychological and financial challenges, making it essential for patients and survivors to receive encouragement, dignity and dependable support alongside medical care.
Founded by Olabisi Oladiran, a two-time breast cancer survivor, WinCancer Foundation was established to address the challenges faced by cancer patients through awareness, early detection advocacy and practical assistance.
Although the Foundation initially focused on breast cancer, its activities have expanded 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 on the initiative, Oluwatumininu Adesioye, a trustee of WinCancer Foundation, said the WinCancer Games were organised to transform cancer awareness into meaningful action.
She explained that the theme, “Awareness to Action,” encourages individuals to seek appropriate medical advice, pay attention to changes in their bodies, discuss early detection with loved ones and support people undergoing treatment.
Adesioye noted that Oladiran’s personal experience with cancer diagnosis, treatment and the financial difficulties associated with the disease inspired the Foundation’s efforts to assist others facing similar challenges.
She added that proceeds from ticket sales, donations and vendor participation at the games would contribute to sustaining the Foundation’s patient support programmes.
The inaugural event featured four houses representing different cancer advocacy causes. Red House represented blood cancers, Blue House focused on colon cancer, Teal House represented ovarian cancer, while Gold House highlighted childhood cancer.
Through the sporting activities and community engagement, participants were encouraged to demonstrate solidarity with cancer patients and survivors while promoting collective responsibility for improved health awareness and access to care.
The campaign also stressed the importance of seeking prompt medical attention when unusual changes occur in the body.
Participants were encouraged to consult qualified healthcare professionals about appropriate screening based on their age, medical history and individual 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 by a healthcare professional, although such changes do not necessarily indicate cancer.
Reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to sustained community impact, Bolarinwa said corporate social responsibility should involve consistent efforts that produce meaningful and lasting benefits for 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 recognised the courage of cancer survivors, the dedication of healthcare professionals and the contributions of advocacy organisations working to improve cancer awareness and patient support across Nigeria.
Through its partnership with WinCancer Foundation and its longstanding community interventions, Polaris Bank continues to promote a holistic approach to cancer advocacy, emphasising early detection, access to care, compassion and sustained collaboration.
