Screening
Mammogram from age 45-50, every 2 years
Age
45-74 years
🔍 Self-examination : Monthly self-palpation
Good to know
- •Complementary breast ultrasound
- •MRI if high risk
- •BRCA genetic testing if family history
Cancer prevention
Screen early, treat better
The 6 cancers to screen for in Morocco · frequency, age, examinations, reimbursement. Early diagnosis = 90 % of lives saved.
The 6 key screenings
Screening
Smear test every 3 years
Age
25-65 years
Good to know
- •HPV test on smear
- •Colposcopy if abnormal
- •HPV vaccine before age 11
Screening
Faecal blood test every 2 years OR colonoscopy at 50
Age
50-74 years
Good to know
- •Colonoscopy if blood test positive
- •Every 5-10 years if polyps
- •From age 40 if family history
Screening
Annual PSA + digital rectal exam
Age
50-75 years (45 if at risk)
Good to know
- •MRI if PSA elevated
- •Confirmation biopsy
- •Risk doubled if family history
Screening
Dermatology examination every 2 years
Age
From adulthood
🔍 Self-examination : Monthly ABCDE rule
Good to know
- •More common in fair skin
- •Sun protection SPF 50+
- •Photoprotection for children
Screening
Low-dose CT scan in smokers
Age
55-74 years, current/former smokers
🔍 Self-examination : Stop smoking
Good to know
- •Not systematic screening
- •Stopping smoking is the best prevention
- •Late symptoms (cough, blood)
Cancer in Morocco — official figures
Data from the National Oncology Institute (INO), the Greater Casablanca Region Cancer Registry (RCRC) and the Ministry of Health.
59 000
New cases/year
INO 2022
28 000
Cancer deaths/year
Min. of Health
11 500
Breast cancers/year
Women (38 %)
48 years
Average age at diagnosis
10 years earlier than Europe
Free national programmes
The National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan 2020-2029 (Ministry of Health + Lalla Salma Foundation) deploys 3 free screening programmes.
🎗️
Breast cancer screening
- Target
- Women aged 45-75
- Method
- Bilateral mammogram + clinical exam every 2 years
- Where
- Urban/Rural Health Centres (CSU/CSR), university hospitals, mobile units (Mammobile)
- Partners
- Lalla Salma Foundation, WHO
💐
Cervical cancer screening
- Target
- Women aged 30-49
- Method
- Cervical smear (FCU) + acetic acid visual inspection (VIA)
- Where
- CSU/CSR, contracted gynaecology practices
- Partners
- Free HPV vaccine for girls aged 11-13 (PNI 2022)
🫃
Colorectal cancer screening
- Target
- 50-75 (pilot)
- Method
- Faecal immunochemical test (FIT) — occult blood detection
- Where
- Pilot centres in Casablanca, Rabat, Fez (rolling out)
- Partners
- INO, scientific societies
Reference centres in Morocco
🏥
🏥
Ibn Rochd University Hospital — Oncology Centre
· CasablancaRadiotherapy, chemotherapy, cancer surgery
Official site →🏥
Hassan II University Hospital
· FezMedical oncology and radiotherapy for the northern region
Official site →🏥
🏥
Al Kindy Clinic (private)
· CasablancaOncological and reconstructive surgery
🏥
Reimbursement and financial aid
CNOPS / CNSS / AMO
Cancer recognised as long-term illness (ALD) = 100 % coverage of care (hospitalisation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, medicines).
RAMED (AMO Tadamon)
Free access to public university hospitals (INO, Ibn Rochd, Hassan II, Mohammed VI) for beneficiaries.
Lalla Salma Foundation
Free care for the uninsured after social assessment. Contact: 0537-65-65-65.
Frequently asked questions
Are screenings reimbursed in Morocco?+
Yes, all screenings prescribed by a doctor are reimbursed by CNOPS (80 %) and CNSS (70 %). National screening programmes (mammogram, cervix) offer free examinations in public facilities. RAMED: free screening in public hospitals.
Why screen if I have no symptoms?+
Most cancers progress silently for years. Detected early (stage I), they are cured at 90 % or more (breast, colon, cervix, prostate). Detected late (stage IV), the prognosis drops drastically. Screening saves lives and avoids heavy treatments.
At what age should I start?+
It varies by cancer: cervix from age 25, breast from 45-50, colon and prostate from 50. Earlier if there is a 1st-degree family history. Your GP coordinates your personal calendar. Our /bilan-sante page details the recommendations by age group.
Is cancer hereditary?+
Only 5-10 % of cancers are directly hereditary (BRCA1/2 genes for breast/ovary, Lynch for colon). For 90 % of cases, the risk is multifactorial: lifestyle, environment, age. If 2 or more 1st-degree relatives are affected young, an oncogenetic consultation is recommended.
What if a screening is positive?+
Stay calm: many positive screenings do not confirm cancer. Further tests (biopsy, imaging) are needed for a definitive diagnosis. Quickly book an appointment with a specialist. An early diagnosis means better chances of cure.
How can cancer be prevented?+
30-50 % of cancers are avoidable. Rules: stop smoking (causes 30 % of cancer deaths), moderate alcohol (< 2 drinks/day), physical activity (150 min/week), stable weight (BMI 18.5-25), Mediterranean diet, sun protection, HPV and hepatitis B vaccines, up-to-date screenings.