Page updated: 16 May 2011
Trafford men benefit from AAA screening programme
Trafford men aged 65 are benefiting from a new screening programme that tests for potentially life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).
NHS Trafford is part of the NHS AAA screening programme and has been inviting men registered with a GP to take part in the screening in the calendar year of their 65th birthday. Screening takes place at one of three sites across the borough, and involves a single ultrasound scan of the abdomen. In 2010, 78% of Trafford men who were invited to take part did so.
An aortic aneurysm is when a section of the wall of the aorta, the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body, weakens and bulges outward. Most aneurysms occur in the section of the aorta that passes through the abdomen.
It is possible to have an aneurysm for years and not know about it. An aorta that is only slightly larger than normal is not dangerous but should be monitored regularly. Large aneurysms can rupture and be fatal, so it is important to detect these so they can be corrected by surgery.
Sale resident Bernard Fagan received an invitation to screening last September, and was found to have an AAA. He said: “I’d never heard of an AAA before, but decided that I should take advantage of the free programme so I arranged to go and have the scan at Chapel Road Clinic in Sale. The process was really simple and took no more than 10 minutes, and I was told there and then that I had a small AAA that would need monitoring.”
Mr Fagan received a check-up scan three months later, which found that the AAA had grown to a stage where it had to be treated. He received surgery in February this year. He added: “There were no symptoms of the AAA and I had no family history of it, so I dread to think what might have happened if it hadn’t been detected by the scan. I am very grateful to have been invited to take part in the screening programme and for being treated so quickly and efficiently.
“I would strongly encourage any man who is invited to take part to make an appointment as soon as they can. The scan is quick and simple, and might just save your life.”
AAA is a common cause of death among older men, particularly those with risk factors of high blood pressure and cholesterol, and those who are overweight and do little physical activity. Smoking can also increase the risk of developing an AAA.
It is anticipated that more than 1,100 Trafford men will be invited each year. Of those screened, it is likely that around 4% will be identified as having an AAA.
Men over 65 can be screened on request, and both men and women of any age with a strong family history of AAA can be screened at the medical imaging department of their local hospital following referral by their GP. Anyone wanting to find out more about the Greater Manchester AAA screening programme can call 0161 743 3699 or email caroline.devine@nhs.net.