Get the facts on AAA screening at the Balmoral Show

Research shows that men are approximately six times more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) than women and the chance of having an aneurysm increases with age – at the age of 65, about one in every 40 men will have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. With this in mind, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is hosting an AAA screening stand at this year’s Balmoral Show to increase awareness of the screening programme and to encourage uptake by people who are eligible.

The Northern Ireland AAA Screening Programme offers a quick, simple ultrasound test to each man in their 65th year, and nearly one year on since it was rolled out across Northern Ireland, the Balmoral Show provides a great opportunity to encourage eligible men to attend for screening.

Staff from the PHA and the Northern Ireland AAA Screening Programme will be attending the show to answer queries or concerns that people, particularly men, might have about attending for screening. With an average of 70,000 people attending the show each year, it offers an excellent platform to provide information on this new screening programme.

Dr Adrian Mairs, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA and public health lead for the Northern Ireland AAA Screening Programme, said: “Each year around 90 people in Northern Ireland die from a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. The Northern Ireland AAA Screening Programme was introduced in June 2012 aiming to halve the number of AAA-related deaths. The programme invites men in their 65th year to be screened. Older men can request a screening appointment by phoning the central screening office on 028 9063 1828. To date over 6,000 men have benefited from the screening programme.”

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 has had, an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

“To date we have had excellent uptake rates, with 82% of those invited to be screened taking up the offer. However, we cannot afford to be complacent and would like to see all men attending when invited.

“The stand at the Balmoral Show will allow us to engage with a large and diverse audience, making them aware of the programme and that taking the test could save your life,” Dr Mairs concluded.

Those eligible for screening will receive an invitation leaflet in the post at the home address provided by their GP. It is therefore 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.