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Monaco lights up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October sees programme of events designed to raise awareness and funds in battle against breast cancer

The Montegasque waterfront looked pretty in pink last Thursday, as prominent buildings across the city were illuminated in a lovely shade of lilac to show solidarity with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Monte-Carlo Casino, the Monaco Yacht Club, the Conseil National, the Prince’s Palace and the Hôtel Metropole were just some of the buildings involved in the incentive, and the dazzling display is only the first of a series of events scheduled to take place throughout October, with the ultimate goal of raising awareness and contributing money to combat this life-threatening disease.

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The Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG) will host an open day on Wednesday 10th October, during which women will be invited to come and learn about screening methods free of charge. On Saturday 13th October, AS Monaco’s female basketball team will go toe-to-toe in a charity match against Roanne MBA, with all proceeds from the event donated to the Pink Ribbon association. Meanwhile, next February will see hundreds of Monegasques take to the streets as part of the Pink Ribbon Monaco Walk, again designed to raise money for the issue.

Indeed, it is now the eighth year running that Pink Ribbon Monaco has collaborated with over 200 cities in 40 countries around the world to bring this burning issue to the forefront of national and international consciousness. Pink Ribbon Monaco was created in 2011 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to spreading knowledge about the early detection, prevention, causes, screening techniques and remission of breast cancer. It relies entirely on donations from well-wishers and help from volunteers to achieve its goals.

As for Monaco itself, the principality has been at the forefront of breast cancer research for some time now. The city-state boasts one of the most successful breast cancer screening ratios in the world, thanks in large part to the state-of-the-art ultrasound breast imaging technology and the digital mammography sensors installed at the CHPG. The hospital places an emphasis on early detection of the disease, reducing the requisite amount of radiation as much as possible. Indeed, any woman over the age of 50 and under the age of 80 may be eligible for a mammogram and ultrasound, free of charge. Interested parties are advised to contact the hospital for further information.