Blue March, a month of awareness and mobilisation against colorectal cancer

Blue March: 20 years on, screening remains the most effective weapon against colorectal cancer in the Principality.

As part of Blue March, the month dedicated to raising awareness and mobilisation against colorectal cancer, the Prince’s Government recalls the importance of the organised screening programme introduced in the Principality in 2006. Twenty years after its launch, this public health initiative remains a key preventive measure in the fight against colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men and the third among women. 

Early screening can lead to cure in nearly 9 out of 10 cases

The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs invites insured persons aged 50 to 80 to take a simple, quick and painless test every two years.

Carried out at home, the test is intended for individuals with no personal or family history of polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It detects the presence of blood in the stool and is currently the most effective way to prevent colorectal cancer before symptoms appear.

Only in the event of a positive result will the insured person be referred to a gastroenterologist for further assessment, which may lead to a colonoscopy.

Proven results

Over the past 20 years:

• More than 26,000 tests have been carried out
• 852 positive results have been identified

Prevention in the Principality: a pillar of sustainable health

The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs reiterates that prevention is one of the essential pillars of the Principality’s public health policy. 

In addition to colorectal cancer, the Monaco Screening Centre also organises screening campaigns for breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer and osteoporosis.

On the occasion of Blue March, the authorities encourage all eligible insured persons to respond positively to the invitation sent to them. A simple, quick and free test that can save lives.

Information and Contact:

The screening kit is provided free of charge to insured persons aged 50 to 80:

• At the Monaco Screening Centre
• At the Occupational Health Office
• Through the treating physician

Monaco Screening Centre (Centre Monégasque de Dépistage) Princess Grace Hospital Centre (Avenue Pasteur, 98000 Monaco): (+377) 97 98 83 02