Monaco is observing Blue March this month, the annual campaign dedicated to raising awareness about colorectal cancer, whilst also marking 20 years since the Principality introduced its organised screening programme…
Launched in 2006, the initiative has become a central part of Monaco’s public health approach. The message behind the campaign remains straightforward but powerful. Detecting colorectal cancer early significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Today, the disease is the second leading cause of cancer related deaths among men and the third among women.
Health officials continue to stress that early diagnosis can lead to recovery in approximately nine out of ten cases. That is why residents aged between 50 and 80 are invited every two years to take part in the free screening programme.
The test itself is simple and can be completed at home. It is intended for people who have no personal or family history of colorectal polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease. By checking for traces of blood in stool samples, the test can identify warning signs before any symptoms appear.
If a result is positive, patients are referred to a gastroenterologist for further examination, which may include a colonoscopy if necessary.
Over the past two decades, more than 26,000 tests have been carried out across the Principality. In that time, 852 positive results have been identified, allowing patients to receive prompt medical follow up where needed.
Prevention remains a cornerstone of Monaco’s healthcare strategy. The Centre Monégasque de Dépistage, based at the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, also oversees screening programmes for breast, cervical and lung cancers, as well as osteoporosis.
As Blue March continues, authorities are encouraging everyone eligible to respond to their screening invitation. The process is free, discreet and quick, and in many cases, it can make all the difference.