Men aged 65 and over urged to take up free screening for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Men aged 65 years and older are being urged by NHS healthcare professionals to be screened for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA).
Screening can detect the presence of potentially life-threatening aneurysms in the abdominal aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body. An aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta caused by a weakness in the blood vessels wall.
All men turning 65 years old are automatically sent invitations to get screened and 8 out of 10 of these men within Kent and Medway accept the offer, but NHS England want the others to get screened too.
To help highlight the importance of AAA screening, the Kent and Medway screening service will be available to answer questions at the Kent County Show from 11th – 13th July.
Programme Manager, Debbie Munro said: “Since the programme started in 2011 we have screened over 33,000 men throughout the country. Screening allows us to detect life-threatening aneurysms as soon as possible; it can save lives.
“Currently Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms account for about 2% of all deaths in men aged over 65 years. If we can successfully encourage more men to be screened we can bring this number down. Screening is available at various locations throughout Kent.”
Dr John Rodriguez, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for Kent and Medway added: “The screening process is quick, simple and painless; a scan of the tummy.
“Most people who are screened are fine but a few may need preventative surgery. This is very safe and usually a type of “keyhole” surgery. Men aged 65 and over can ask their GP about the screening programme, or can come along to The Kent County Show from 11th -13th July to ask us questions.”
Anthony Slee was successfully treated for an aortic aneurysm earlier this year, he said: “I had my first AAA screening scan in August 2011. It showed I had an aortic aneurysm and the team told me I would need to be scanned every three months so they could keep an eye on it.
By November 2013 it had grown and I was told I would need treatment. Within two months I had been successfully treated at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital and was well enough to go home the day after the operation. I want to sincerely thank the Kent and Medway AAA screening team for all of their help and would encourage everyone eligible to take up the offer of screening.”