Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening

Around 1 in 40 men aged over 65 have an Abdominal Aorta Aneurysm (AAA), a swelling of the main artery in the body as it passes through the abdomen. This can be life-threatening if left untreated.

In order to reduce deaths from an AAA, a screening programme invites men for a quick, free and painless ultrasound scan of their abdomen in the year they turn 65. Research has shown that women are six times less likely than men to have an AAA and, on average, women tend to develop AAAs 10 years later than men. Women are therefore not being invited to screening at this time.

There are 21 screening locations in the north and you can find one closest to yourself at www.aaascreening.info/screening-in-your-area

Men over the age of 65, who have never attended for AAA screening, can ask for an appointment by calling the Programme Office on 028 9063 1828.