Aneurysm screening programme success
The Northern Ireland Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme has published its first annual report highlighting the programme success, with 81% of the men invited attending for a scan. The report has been produced by the Public Health Agency (PHA) and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust on the programme, which is available across Northern Ireland.
An AAA is a swelling of the main artery in the body as it passes through the abdomen (belly). It usually causes no symptoms until it ruptures. This often results in death. However, it can be detected very easily using an ultrasound scan. Men are six times more likely to have an AAA than women. The chances of having an aneurysm increase with age. At 65, about one in every 40 men will have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.
The Northern Ireland AAA Screening Programme invites all men for a quick and simple ultrasound scan during the year they turn 65. Men over this age who haven’t been screened are encouraged to contact the screening programme to arrange an appointment. The aim of the programme is to reduce deaths from AAAs by detecting and treating them early.
Dr Adrian Mairs, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA and public health lead for the programme, said: “The report shows the programme is working well and providing a high quality service for men. It is particularly encouraging to see that 81% of the men invited attended for a scan. From when the programme began in June 2012, until the end of March 2013, a total of 5,581 men were screened and 74 AAAs were detected in these men.
“The programme also held its first annual Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) event in early 2013. A number of men who had been diagnosed with an AAA, and their partners, attended the half-day workshop and provided feedback on their individual experiences of screening to both PHA and Belfast Trust staff. This feedback is important for the future development and continuing improvement of the programme.
“The focus now for the programme team is to continue to build on the already high standards of programme delivery, address any barriers to accessing the programme and encourage all eligible men to seriously consider the offer of AAA screening.”
PHA advice
The risk of having an abdominal aortic aneurysm is increased if:
• You smoke
• You have high blood pressure
• Your brother, sister or parent has, or had, an AAA.
Dr Mairs continued: “I strongly encourage all men who receive an appointment for AAA screening to take up the offer of this quick and painless health check. I would also encourage men above the age of those who are sent invitations and who haven’t been screened before to pick up the phone and ask for an appointment. If men are uncertain about attending they should think about discussing it with their partners, friends or GP."
During the year they turn 65, men year are invited by letter, so it is important that your GP has your most up-to-date address and correct date of birth, or you may miss the chance to take part in the programme. Men who are older and have never before attended for AAA screening can ask to be screened by phoning the programme office on (028) 9063 1828.
Further information about the Northern Ireland AAA Screening Programme can be found at www.aaascreening.info and the annual report can be viewed at: http://bit.ly/1uY9f2q.
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