New data highlights success of NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening

The first annual data for the NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening programme has been published, demonstrating the significant health benefits it has provided.

Figures from Public Health England have shown that 487 men received potentially life-saving surgery during 2013 and 2014 as a direct consequence of the scheme, which was introduced in April 2013.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are dangerous swellings of the main blood vessel running from the heart down through the abdomen to the rest of the body. If left untreated, these aneurysms can rupture, with 80 percent of patients dying before they reach hospital or failing to survive emergency surgery.

All men aged 65 are invited to be screened through the current scheme, while those over the age of 65 can self-refer through their GP.

Dr Anne Mackie, director of programmes for UK National Screening Committee and NHS Screening, said: "It is fantastic that in the first full year of the screening programme more than 270,000 men were screened. More than 3,700 of them were found to have aneurysms and were offered follow-up and treatment."

It is expected that the programme will screen its millionth patient during 2014-15.