With the creation, on July 5, 2012, of the Monaco Screening Centre, the Prince’s Government established Monaco among model countries in terms of public health, and continues to improve and expand its health screening programmes.
Located in the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, the Monaco Screening Centre welcomes, listens to and informs those concerned and, where appropriate, directs them to seek appropriate care.
Among the diseases and infections covered by the screening programmes are tests for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases, and colorectal cancer and breast cancer – the most common cancers in our populations. Their screening makes it possible to ensure effective management of the disease. Breast cancer has also been screened since 1994.
Cervical cancer is the eighth cancer most affecting women in France. Aware of this risk, the Prince’s Government attaches particular importance to preventive actions. The link between Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and cervical cancer has been demonstrated, which makes vaccination against this virus especially important. This vaccination is systematically offered to young girls from 11 to 14 years old.
Pap smears from 21 years old complete the vaccination. This coordination between vaccination and screening, which does not exist in other countries, is a very important step forward: the two-coupled actions allow for the eradication of cervical cancer by screening and treatment of precancerous lesions.
Organised screening campaigns for osteoporosis for women aged 55 to 80 have been progressively implemented and have worked remarkably well since September 2009.
The abnormal dilatation of the aneurysm of the aorta can lead to internal haemorrhage without precursor signs. This campaign started six months ago for people aged 65 to 80 and will treat aneurysms in a timely manner, the Department of Health and Social Affairs has said.