Gouvernement Princier de Monaco
Print this page

The Monaco Health Screening Centre – An exemplary preventative health initiative

By opening the new Monaco Health Screening Centre on 5 July 2012, the Prince's Government reaffirmed its wish to make Monaco a model for Public Health and position it among the leading countries in this field. 

This initiative is the continuation of a series of preventative health steps started a long time ago. Located in the Princess Grace Hospital, the Monaco Screening Centre welcomes, listens to and informs people and, if necessary, points them towards appropriate treatments. The Centre is under the authority of the Department of Health Affairs and is the responsibility of Dr. Daniel Rouison. Its role is to coordinate all activities relating to health screening and vaccination.

Free, anonymous health screening

This is provided at the Free, Anonymous Screening Centre (Centre de Dépistage Anonyme et Gratuit - CDAG), whose objective is research into HIV, Hepatitis B and C and STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases). Since its establishment in 1988, the CDAG has demonstrated the Government's commitment to the fight against the AIDS epidemic.

Screening for bowel and breast cancer (50–80 years)

Bowel and breast cancer are the most common cancers among the general public. Screening for these diseases makes it possible to treat them more effectively. That's why screening campaigns for bowel cancer have been organised since 2006, under the impetus of the Prince's Government. The results of these campaigns are very satisfactory. Click here to find out more about the screening for bowel cancer .

There have also been screening campaigns for breast cancer since 1994.

Notably, screening campaigns for breast cancer have made a significant contribution to public awareness about prevention methods. 

After taking part in breast cancer screening campaigns, many women (around 60%) continued to carry out regular checks on their own initiative. Of the 5,000 women eligible for screening in Monaco, 40% did not take advantage of it.

In 2013, the Monaco Government is investing in a breast screening centre at the Princess Grace Hospital. This will make it possible to launch screening campaigns and increase the percentage of women who receive regular checks (every 2 years): the follow-up rate has now reached around 80%. Click here to find out more about the screening for breast cancer .

Screening for and preventing cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the eighth most common cancer affecting women in France. The Prince's Government, aware of the risk in the Principality, places particular importance on prevention activities. The link between the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer has been proven, making vaccination against this virus especially important. This vaccination has been offered to girls aged 11 to 14 since 2011. Click here to find out more about vaccination against the Human Papillomavirus.

Vaccination is supplemented by cervical smears from the age of 21. This coordination between vaccination and screening, which does not exist in other countries, represents great progress: the two activities together should lead to the eradication of cervical cancer by screening and by treating precancerous lesions. Click here to find out more about the screening for cervical cancer.

Screening for osteoporosis (55-80 years)

Screening campaigns for osteoporosis for women aged 55 to 80 have been introduced progressively and have proved to be remarkably successful since September 2009. In Monaco, almost 100% of the women concerned have benefitted. Click here to find out more about the screening for osteoporosis.

Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm

This abnormal dilation of the aorta can lead to internal haemorrhaging without any warning symptoms. This campaign was launched six months ago for people aged between 65 and 80, and will enable aneurysms to be treated in good time. Click here to find out more about the screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm .

Other Campaigns

The Monaco Health Screening Centre may also carry out other screening campaigns from time to time for diseases such as diabetes, melanoma, etc.

https://en.gouv.mc/Policy-Practice/Social-Affairs-and-Health/An-exemplary-Public-Health-system/Monaco-Health-Screening-Centre