Gouvernement Princier de Monaco
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News of theme "Social Affairs and Health"
23 May 2017 Press release

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening Monaco consolidates public health policy with launch of new screening campaign

The Prince’s Government’s Ministry of Health and Social Affairs is today launching a new, free prevention campaign to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysms among those aged between 65 and 80. This represents a continuation of the Government’s policy of excellence in public health, following on from the breast cancer, colorectal cancer and cervical cancer prevention campaigns.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are fatal in more than 80% of cases if they are not detected before a certain stage. This common and potentially very serious condition affects 1% of women and 5% of men aged over 65 years, particularly smokers, ex-smokers, those with high blood pressure and people with a family history of the condition.

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal swelling of the aorta, the main blood vessel. This condition, which causes no symptoms or particular pain, can be easily identified with a simple abdominal ultrasound. If the diameter of the aorta is more than 55 millimetres for men or 40 millimetres for women, surgery is recommended and is effective in more than 90% of cases.

The screening campaign is being jointly led by Dr Daniel Rouison, who manages the Monaco Screening Centre, and Dr Jean-Michel Cucchi, Dr Mathieu Liberatore and Dr Anna Björkman, manager, head of department and junior doctor (vascular medicine) respectively, in the Princess Grace Hospital Medical Imaging Department.

All men and women aged between 65 and 80 who are resident in Monaco and covered by the country’s social security bodies, can take advantage of a free ultrasound to screen for the condition. Those who are eligible will each receive a letter personally inviting them for a test, which will be carried out at Princess Grace Hospital by appointment.

 

 

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https://en.gouv.mc/Policy-Practice/Social-Affairs-and-Health/News/Abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening-Monaco-consolidates-public-health-policy-with-launch-of-new-screening-campaign