Mars Bleu: Twenty Years After Its Launch in the Principality, Prevention Remains the Most Effective Weapon Against Colorectal Cancer

On the occasion of Mars Bleu, the month dedicated to awareness and mobilisation against colorectal cancer, the Government of the Principality of Monaco reiterates the importance of organised screening, in place since 2006. Nearly twenty years after its launch, this public health programme remains a key tool in cancer prevention.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men and the third in women. When detected early, it can be cured in nearly 9 out of 10 cases, highlighting the crucial role of early diagnosis.

The Department of Social Affairs and Health invites, by official letter, socially insured individuals aged 50 to 80 to undergo a simple, quick and painless screening test every two years. Carried out at home, the test is intended for people with no personal or family history of polyps, colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

The test detects the presence of occult blood in the stool and is currently the most effective means of preventing colorectal cancer before symptoms appear. Only in the event of a positive result will the insured person be referred to a gastroenterologist for further examinations, which may include a colonoscopy.

Proven results over 20 years

• More than 26,000 tests carried out

• 852 positive results detected

Prevention in the Principality: a pillar of sustainable health

The Department of Social Affairs and Health recalls that prevention is one of the essential pillars of the Principality’s public health policy. Through the Centre Monégasque de Dépistage, screening campaigns are also organised for breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer and osteoporosis.

On the occasion of Mars Bleu, the authorities encourage all eligible insured persons to respond positively to the invitation they receive: a simple, quick and free action that can save lives.

Information and contact

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

• At the Centre Monégasque de Dépistage

• At the Office of Occupational Medicine

• Through the treating physician

Centre Monégasque de Dépistage
Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace
Avenue Pasteur, 98000 Monaco – Tel. +377 97 98 83 02