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AAA Screening

Staffordshire & Sou​​th Cheshire AAA screening programme​

AAA stands for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm. The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to your body. It runs from your heart down through your chest and abdomen.

In some people, as they get older, the wall of the aorta in the abdomen can become weak. It can then start to expand and form what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm or AAA. The condition is most common in men aged 65 and above.

AAA screening is a free NHS national screening programme that invites men in their 65th year to attend an appointment to check if they have an AAA. The screening test is an ultra sound scan and usually takes 5 to 10 minutes to perform.

Men over 65 who have not previously been diagnosed with an aneurysm can request a scan by contacting their local programme directly on: 01782 674356 or by emailing screening.aaa@nhs.net 

The Staffordshire & South Cheshire AAA screening programme is run from Royal Stoke University Hospital and you will be invited to a local clinic for an ultra sound scan. 

Clinics are held in GP surgeries and other venues throughout the area. This programme covers the area from Northwich in Cheshire down to Kinver in south Staffordshire.

Phone: 01782 674356

Email: screening.aaa@nhs.net

Address

Royal Stoke University Hospital

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust

Newcastle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG

How are men invited for screening?

Men in their 65th year who are eligible for screening are sent an invitation letter around three weeks before their appointment. They are given a date, time and venue for their scan and an information leaflet. Invitations are sent from their local screening office at The Royal Stoke hospital containing full details about attending for screening, the test and the possible results. If the time, date or venue is inconvenient men can reschedule their appointment. We try to make the appointment at a venue close to where you live.

Why do we screen?

If you have an aneurysm you will not generally notice any symptoms. This means that you cannot tell if you have one as you will not feel any pain or notice anything different. We offer screening so we can find aneurysms early and monitor or treat them. This greatly reduces the chances of the aneurysm causing serious problems. The easiest way to find out if you have an aneurysm is to have an ultrasound scan of your abdomen.

Who do we screen?

If you are a man aged over 65 you are more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. That is why the NHS AAA screening programme invites men for screening during the year they turn 65.
Men over 65 who have not previously been diagnosed with an aneurysm can request a scan by contacting their local programme directly.

What about men over 65?

Men only need one scan during the year in which they turn 65 to screen for AAA. Men who receive a normal result do not need follow-up scans. Men over 65 who have not previously been screened or diagnosed with an aneurysm can self refer directly to the programme by contacting us on 01782 674356 or at screening.aaa@nhs.net

What about men under 65?

The programme targets men aged 65 and over because 95 per cent of ruptured AAA occur in this group. There is no evidence to show that inviting men who are younger than 65 for screening as part of a population-based screening programme would deliver major benefits.

Why aren't women screened?

The programme targets men aged 65 and over because 95 per cent of ruptured AAA occur in this group. Men are six times more likely to have an aneurysm than women. Ruptured AAA is less common in women and on average occurs ten years later than in men. Women who have a close relative - brother, sister or parent - who has, or has had, an abdominal aortic aneurysm can be scanned at an appropriate age under existing NHS procedures and should speak to their GP to discuss a referral.

Where do you screen?

The whole of the UK is now able to offer AAA screening. Your local program​is the Staffordshire & south Cheshire programme and covers the areas below:

 

North Staffordshire i​​ncluding:                        

 

  • Stoke
  • Longton
  • Fenton
  • Cobridge
  • Biddulph
  • Leek
  • Cheadle
  • Kidsgrove
  • Audley
  • Ashley
  • Madeley
  • Bentilee
  • Hanley
  • Tunstall
  • Newcastle
  • Talke
  • Waterhouses

 

South Staffordshire including:

  • Stone
  • Stafford
  • Rugeley
  • Cannock
  • Brewood
  • Codsall
  • Kinver
  • Wombourne
  • Hednesford
  • Norton canes
  • Eccleshall

 

South Cheshire including:

  • Northwich
  • Winsford
  • Nantwich
  • Crewe
  • Alsager
  • Sandbach
  • Audlem
  • Middlewich​

 

What if I live outside England?

The UK National Screening Committee makes UK-wide policies on screening. However, it is up to each part of the UK to determine when, and how, to put those policies into practice. This means there are some differences in the screening services available depending on whether you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Visit the UK National Screening Committee website for more information.

How many lives will the programme save?

It is estimated that the programme will reduce the death rate from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms among men aged 65 and over by up to 50 per cent. 

How common is the condition?

It is estimated that around 1 in 70 men in England aged between 65 and 74 have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Most of these are small and not serious. However, a small AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) can increase in size and develop into a large AAA which is a serious condition.

What is the chance of dying from a rupture AAA?

If an AAA ruptures it is a surgical emergency as it can lead to serious blood loss. The death rate after rupture is about 80 per cent because many patients die before they reach hospital. The aim of the screening programme is to detect and treat large AAA early in order to reduce the number of deaths from rupture.

How reliable is the scan?

The scan used to find aneurysms is very reliable. No screening test can be completely effective, but it is very rare for a man who has had a normal result to develop a large aneurysm. Sometimes the person carrying out the scan will not be able to see the aorta clearly. This is nothing to worry about and they will ask you to have another scan, usually on a different day.

What if my family has a history of AAA?

The risk of developing an AAA increases through close family history. Both men and women who have a close relative - brother, sister or parent - who has, or has had, an AAA can receive an ultrasound scan at an appropriate age under existing NHS procedures and should speak to their GP to discuss a referral. First degree relatives of men with an AAA are advised to consider requesting a scan at an age five years younger than their relative was diagnosed. Close relatives of men with an AAA should take the usual health precautions of not smoking, having a cholesterol and blood pressure check and staying healthy.

What test is used to screen for AAA?

An ultrasound scan of the abdomen is used to look for an AAA - this is similar to the scan used in pregnancy to check how a baby is developing. The test is simple, quick and painless. The test is carried out by a sonographer or specially trained screening technician. 

What happens if the aorta cannot be seen?

Occasionally the screening technician cannot see the aorta or measure it accurately. This is nothing to worry about and the man is invited for a further scan.

What if I do not want to be screened?

Attending for AAA screening is a choice and there is no obligation to attend. If a man has considered the test and decided he does not wish to be screened he can contact us and ask to be removed from the list. 

What are the chances of having an aneurysm identified by screening?

It is estimated that for every 1000 men screened by the NHS AAA Screening Programme, fifteen will have an aneurysm, but only one will have a large aneurysm that may require treatment.

Here you'll find some leaflets with additional information on AAA screening that you may find useful.

AAA Invitation Leaflet - This leaflet is sent to all men invited for AAA screening appointments.

Making an informed choice - This information is to help men to decide if they would like to be screened for AAA

AAA Results leaflet - Monitoring your small aneurysm - This leaflet provides information for men who have had a small aneurysm found through AAA screening, which at this stage only needs to be monitored.

AAA Results leaflet - Monitoring your medium aneurysm - This leaflet provides information for men who have had a medium aneurysm found through AAA screening, which at this stage only needs to be monitored.

AAA Results leaflet  - Large aneurysm - This leaflet provides information for men who have had an aneurysm found through AAA screening who are referred for an assessment and possible treatment.

Information for Trans People - The leaflet is for trans (Transgender) and Non-Binary people in England to inform them of adult NHS screening programmes that are available. 

Easy Read Information - The NHS AAA Screening Programme is committed to ensuring screening is equally available to all eligible men. We have therefore developed​ Easy Read versions of the leaflets, audio versions and versions in other languages. These provide accessible information in a format that is particularly suitable for:

• People with learning disabilities
• People who find reading and writing hard
• People who do not speak English very well

You may find more information not covered here at http://aaa.screening.nhs.uk/leaflets2016

To change your screening appointment, contact us on 01782 674356

We encourage all men to attend AAA screening when invited although we would respect your decision not to be screened.

If you choose not to take up your invitation please contact us using the number above so the appointment can be given to another patient. If you change your mind at any point in the future please contact us and we will be happy to make you another appointment.

What to do if you have concerns abou​t your abdominal aorta.

If you have any concerns about your abdominal aorta, or you have a brother, sister or parent who has had an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm then you should visit you GP. Your GP will be able to give you more information and refer you for tests if required.

What to expect at your screenin​g appointment

Screening involves a simple, pain-free, non-invasive test called an ultrasound scan to look for an aneurysm. The test is very quick, usually takes less than 10 minutes and you won't need to undress for it. The scan will show a picture of the aorta on a screen and we will be able to measure it. It is very similar to the scan in pregnancy to look at the baby.

Your results

We will usually be able to tell you your result straight away. We will also send a copy of the result to your GP.

There are four possible results from the scan:

  1. No aneurysm found - If your aorta is less than 3cm wide, this means you do not have an aneurysm. Most men have this result. No treatment or monitoring is needed afterwards. We will not invite you for AAA screening again.
     
  2. Small aneurysm found - If we find a small aneurysm this means that the aorta is a little wider than normal– between 3.0cm and 4.4cm wide. We invite men with a small aneurysm back for regular scans every year to check that the aorta is not getting bigger. A Nurse Practitioner will also give you advice about your general health and aneurysm.

    If growth of 1cm in a year is noted, then an appointment with a specialist team to have more scans and to talk about possible treatment options, will be provided. 

  3. Medium aneurysm found - If we find a medium aneurysm this means that the aorta is a fairly wider than normal– between 4.5cm and 5.4cm wide. We invite men with a medium aneurysm back for regular scans every 3 months to check that the aorta is not getting bigger. A Nurse Practitioner will also give you advice about your general health and aneurysm.
     
  4. Large aneurysm found - If we find a large aneurysm this means that the aorta is much wider than normal. Only a very small number of men have this result. We give men with a large aneurysm an appointment with a specialist team to have more scans and to talk about possible treatment options, usually an operation.
Aneurysms generally grow very slowly. If you have a small or medium aneurysm detected you will be invited back for regular surveillance scans to monitor the size of the aneurysm.  You will also be provided with advice on how to slow the growth of the aneurysm.

Generally this will be by:

  • Stopping smoking
  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Ensuring your weight is at a normal level
  • Taking regular exercise
  • Taking medication on the advice of your GP

​What happens if I have a large aneurysm?

Men with an aorta that has a diameter of 5.5cm or over are referred to see a specialist, within two weeks, to have further scans and discuss the possibility of having an operation.

What if I my AAA grows by more than 1cm in 1 year?

Patients who experience a growth of more than 1cm in 1 year will be referred to a specialist for review.

What treatment is av​ailable for an AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm)?

Almost all large AAA can be treated through surgery if they are detected early. The vascular surgeon will discuss treatments options with you once an AAA has been diagnosed. Generally there are two types of treatment available:

Most aneurysms are treated by an operation in which the aneurysm is replaced with an artificial artery made of plastic. This 'artificial artery' should last for the rest of the man's life and will protect the aorta against possible rupture. Some aneurysms are suitable for a form of keyhole surgery called Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR). This involves threading thin tubes through the arteries from the groin, until they reach the aorta. The tubes are used to carry stents to the site of the aneurysm. A stent is a special type of tube which expands to line the inside of the aorta and protect against possible rupture. 

Why are sma​ll to medium aneurysms not treated?

It is highly unlikely that a small or medium AAA will pose a serious risk whilst it remains at a small or medium size. As with any operation, there is a risk associated with having surgery for an AAA. As this risk is greater than that posed by monitoring the small or medium AAA surgeons do not recommend treatment for men with a small or medium AAA. If the aneurysm grows and becomes a serious risk then surgery may become an option and will be discussed with the man.

Will AAA screening pick up other​ problems?

No. Screening is just to see if you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm. It does not look for other problems. If you are worried about any medical problem you should speak to your GP.

What are the implication​​s for driving?

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is responsible for deciding whether people can drive on the basis of their health or any conditions they may have.  GPs can advise people whether they should refrain from driving and whether a health condition must be reported to the DVLA.  Motor insurers cannot ask questions about health conditions and so do not adjust premiums on that basis. The DVLA's policy on driving once an AAA has been diagnosed states that for motor car drivers, the DVLA should be notified once a diagnosed AAA reaches 6cm. Once the AAA reaches 6.5cm the patient should be suspended from driving. Drivers of lorries and buses should be suspended from driving once an AAA reaches 5.5cm. If treated successfully then licences will be reinstated. The NHS AAA Screening Programme refers men to vascular surgeons if their AAA (Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm) reaches 5.5cm. The DVLA policy does not affect men with small aneurysms (3.0-5.4cm) who are part of the Programme's surveillance group.​

Below is a list of some of the sites that we currently screen from. Please click on individual clinics for maps and direction.

The screening programme may visit and offer screening at your own GP surgery from time to time if your surgery is able to facilitate this. If your surgery isn't listed here please contact us for more information and screening dates by calling 01782 674356 or email ​screening.aaa@nhs.net

North Staffordshire:

 

​SCREENING VENUE

ADDRESS

ALLEN STREET CHEADLE ALLEN STREET SURGERY ALLEN STREET CHEADLE STOKE-ON-TRENT
ALTON PRIMARY CARE CENTRE ALTON SURGERY HURSTON'S LANE ALTON STOKE-ON-TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST10 4AP
ASHLEY SURGERY ASHLEY SURGERY SCHOOL LANE, ASHLEY MARKET DRAYTON SHROPSHIRE TF9 4LF
AUDLEY HEALTH CENTRE                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          AUDLEY HEALTH CENTRE CHURCH STREET AUDLEY STOKE ON TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST7 8EW
BENTILEE NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE BENTILEE NEIGBOURHOOD CENTRE DAWLISH DRIVE BENTILEE STOKE ON TRENT ST2 0EU
BIDDULPH PRIMARY HEALTH CARE BIDDULPH PRIMARY CARE CENTRE, WHARF ROAD, BIDDULPH, STOKE-ON-TRENT ST8 6AG ST8 6AG
BROOK MEDICAL CENTRE BROOK MEDICAL CENTRE. 98 CHELL HEATH ROAD BRADELEY STOKE-ON-TRENT ST6 7NN
CHEADLE WELL STREET MEDICAL CENTRE WELL STREET MEDICAL CTR WELL STREET, CHEADLE STOKE ON TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST10 1EY
COBRIDGE HEALTH CENTRE COBRIDGE COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE CHURCH TERRACE, STOKE-ON-TRENT ST6 2JN
DUNROBIN STREET MEDICAL CENTRE DUNROBIN STREET MEDICAL CENTRE. MEDICAL CENTRE DUNROBIN STREET, LONGTON STOKE-ON-TRENT ST3 4LL
FENTON HEALTH CENTRE FENTON HEALTH CENTRE, GLEBEDALE ROAD, STOKE-ON-TRENT ST4 3AQ
FURLONG MEDICAL CENTRE FURLONG MEDICAL CENTRE, FURLONG ROAD, TUNSTALL STOKE ON TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST6 5UD
HARTSHILL MEDICAL CENTRE HARTSHILL MEDICAL CENTRE. ASHWELL ROAD, HARTSHILL STOKE ON TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST4 6AT
HARLEY STREET MEDICAL CTR HARLEY STREET MEDICAL CTR. HARLEY STREET, HANLEY STOKE ON TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST1 3RX
HEATHCOTE STREET SURGERY CHESTERTON HEATHCOTE STREET SURGERY. 2 HEATHCOTE STREET CHESTERTON NEWCASTLE STAFFORDSHIRE ST5 7EB
HIGHERLAND SURGERY HIGHERLAND SURGERY. SURGERY 3 ORME ROAD POOLFIELD NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME ST5 2UE
KIDSGROVE MEDICAL CENTRE DR ROBINSON & PARTNERS. KIDSGROVE MEDICAL CENTRE MOUNT ROAD, KIDSGROVE STOKE-ON-TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST7 4AY
KINGSBRIDGE MEDICAL CENTRE KINGSBRIDGE MEDICAL CENTRE. KINGSBRIDGE HOUSE KINGSBRIDGE AVE, CLAYTON NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME STAFFORDSHIRE ST5 3HP
LEEK HEALTH CENTRE LEEK HEALTH CENTRE. FOUNTAIN STREET LEEK STAFFORDSHIRE ST13 6JB
MADELEY MOSS LANE SURGERY MOSS LANE SURGERY. MOSS LANE MADELEY NR.CREWE, CHESHIRE CW3 9NQ
MEIR PRIMARY CARE CENTRE MEIR PRIMARY CARE CENTRE. WESTON RD, STOKE-ON-TRENT ST3 6AB
MOORLAND MEDICAL CENTRE MOORLAND MEDICAL CENTRE DYSON HOUSE,REGENT STREET LEEK STAFFORDSHIRE ST13 6LU
NEWCASTLE COMMUNITY FIRE STATION NEWCASTLE COMMUNITY FIRE STATION. KNUTTON LANE, NEWCASTLE. ST5 2SL
PARK MEDICAL CENTRE PARK MEDICAL CENTRE. BALL HAYE ROAD LEEK STAFFORDSHIRE ST13 6QR
SANDYFORD COMMUNITY FIRESTATION SANDYFORD COMMUNITY FIRE STATION, MARLBOROGH WAY , STOKE ON TRENT. ST6 5ED
SILVERDALE MEDICAL CENTRE SILVERDALE MEDICAL CENTRE. VALE PLEASANT SILVERDALE NEWCASTLE STAFFORDSHIRE ST5 6PS
TALKE PITS CLINIC TALKE PITS CLINIC. HIGH STREET TALKE PITS STOKE-ON-TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST7 1QQ
THE HAYMARKET HEALTH CTR THE HAYMARKET HEALTH CTR, DUNNING ST, TUNSTALL STOKE ON TRENT STAFFORDSHIRE ST6 5BE
THE VILLAGE SURGERY WOLSTANTON THE VILLAGE SURGERY. 49 HIGH STREET WOLSTANTON NEWCASTLE STAFFORDSHIRE ST5 0ET
WATERHOUSES MEDICAL PRACT WATERHOUSES MEDICAL PRACTICE. WATERHOUSES MEDICAL CTRE WATERFALL LANE WATERHOUSES STOKE-ON-TRENT ST10 3HY
WOLSTANTON MEDICAL CENTRE WOLSTANTON MEDICAL CENTRE. PALMERSTON STREET WOLSTANTON NEWCASTLE-UNDER-LYME STAFFORDSHIRE ST5 8BN

​​South Staffordshire

 

AELFGAR SURGE​​RY AELFGAR SURGERY, CHURCH ST, RUGELEY WS15 2AB
ALDERWOOD MEDICAL PRACTICE ALDERWOOD MEDICAL PRAC LONGFORD ROAD CANNOCK STAFFORDSHIRE WS11 1QN
BREWOOD MEDICAL PRACTICE BREWOOD MEDICAL PRACTICE, KIDDEMORE GREEN ROAD, BREWOOD, STAFFORD ST19 9BQ
CANNOCK COMMUNITY FIRE STATION CANNOCK COMMUNITY FIRE STATION, OLD HEDNEFORD ROAD, CANNOCK, WS11 6LD
CHADSMOOR MEDICAL PRACTICE CHADSMOOR MEDICAL PRACTICE. 45 PRINCESS STREET CHADSMOOR,CANNOCK STAFFORDSHIRE WS11 5JT
CUMBERLAND HOUSE STONE CUMBERLAND HOUSE, 8 HIGH STREET STONE. ST15 8AP
DALE MEDICAL PRACTICE DALE MEDICAL PRACTICE, PLANKS LANE, WOMBOURNE, WOLVERHAMPTON. WV5 8DX
GRAVEL HILL SURGERY GRAVEL HILL SURGERY, WOMBOURNE WOLVERHAMPTON. WV5 9HA
HAZELDENE HOUSE SURGERY HAZELDENE HOUSE SURGERY MAIN ROAD, GREAT HAYWOOD STAFFORD STAFFORDSHIRE ST18 0SU
HEATH HAYES H​EALTH CENTRE HEATH HAYES HEALTH CENTRE GORSEMOOR RD, HEATH HAYES CANNOCK STAFFORDSHIRE WS12 3TG
HIGH STREET SURGERY CHESLYN HAY THE SURGERY, HIGH STREET CHESLYN HAY WALSALL WEST MIDLANDS WS6 7AB
HILLSPRING & HORSEFAIR BRANCH  PRACTICE RUGELEY HORSEFAIR PRACTICE SPRINGFIELDS H&WB CENTRE LOVETT COURT RUGELEY STAFFORDSHIRE WS15 2FH
HOLMCROFT SURGERY HOLMCROFT SURGERY HOLMCROFT ROAD STAFFORD STAFFORDSHIRE ST16 1JG
LAKESIDE SURGERY LAKESIDE MEDICAL CENTRE CHURCH ROAD, PERTON WOLVERHAMPTON WV6 7PD
MANSION HOUSE SURGERY MANSION HOUSE SURGERY. ABBEY STREET STONE ST15 8YE
MILL BANK SURGERY MILL BANK SURGERY WATER STREET STAFFORD. ST16 2AG
MOSS GROVE SURGERY MOSS GROVE SURGERY KINVER KINVER HC, HIGH ST,KINVER STOURBRIDGE STAFFORDSHIRE DY7 6HL
NORTON CANES PRACTICE NORTON CANES HEALTH CTR BROWNHILLS ROAD NORTON CANES, CANNOCK WS11 9SE
NORTON CANES SURGERY NORTON CANES HEALTH CTR BROWNHILLS ROAD NORTON CANES, CANNOCK WS11 9SE
QUINTON PRACTICE QUINTON PRACTICE HEALTH CENTRE WARDLES LANE GREAT WYRLEY WEST MIDLANDS WS6 6EW
RED LION SURGERY RED LION SURGERY CANNOCK CHASE HOSPITAL BRUNSWICK ROAD CANNOCK STAFFORDSHIRE WS11 5XY
RISING BROOK SURGERY RISING BROOK SURGERY THE HEALTH CTR,MERREY RD STAFFORD STAFFORDSHIRE ST17 9LY
RISING BROOK FIRE STATION RISING BROOK FIRE STATION, HESKETH ROAD, OFF WOLVERHAMPTON ROAD, STAFFORD ST17 9DJ
RUGELEY FIRE STATION RUGELEY COMMUNITY FIRE STATION WS15 2FX
SANDY LANE SURGERY SANDY LANE HEALTH CENTRE SANDY LANE RUGELEY STAFFORDSHIRE WS15 2LB
STAFFORD HEALTH & WELL BEING CENTRE STAFFORD HEALTH & WELL BEING CENTRE, WHITGREAVE COURT, STAFFORD, ST16 3EB
TAMAR MEDICAL CENTRE TAMAR MEDICAL CENTRE SEVERN DRIVE, PERTON WOLVERHAMPTON WV6 7QL
THE COLLIERY PRACTICE THE COLLIERY PRACTICE HEDNESFORD STREET SURGERY 60 HEDNESFORD STREET CANNOCK WS11 1DJ
THE CROWN SURGERY (ECCESHALL) THE CROWN SURGERY 23 HIGH STREET,ECCLESHALL STAFFORD STAFFORDSHIRE. ST21 6BW
THE NILE PRACTICE THE NILE PRACTICE HIGH STREET, CHESLYN HAY WALSALL WS6 7AE
WEEPING CROSS HEALTH CENTRE WEEPING CROSS HEALTH CTR. BODMIN AVE, WEEPING CROSS STAFFORD STAFFORDSHIRE ST17 0EG
WOLVERHAMPTON ROAD SURGERY WOLVERHAMPTON RD SURGERY WOLVERHAMPTON ROAD STAFFORD. ST17 4BS

 

Chesire

 

ALSAGER HE​​ALTH CENTRE ALSAGER HEALTH CENTRE, 12 SANDBACH RD S, ALSAGER, STOKE-ON-TRENT ST7 2LU
ASHFIELDS PRIMARY CARE CENTRE SANDBACH ASHFIELDS PRIMARY CARE CENTRE, MIDDLEWICH RD, SANDBACH CW11 1EQ
AUDLEM PRACTICE AUDLEM MEDICAL PRACTICE 16 CHESHIRE ST, AUDLEM, CREWE CW3 0AH
CHURCH VIEW PRIMARY CARE CENTRE CHURCH VIEW PRIMARY CARE CENTRE, BEAM STREET NANTWICH CW55NX
DENE DRIVE PRIMARY CARE CENTRE DENE DRIVE PRIMARY CARE CENTRE, DENE DR, WINSFORD CW7 1AT
EAGLE BRIDGE Health Centre EAGLE BRIDGE HEALTH CENTRE, DUNWOODY WAY, CREWE CW1 3AW
GRESTY BROOK SURGERY GRESTY BROOK SURGERY, BROOKHOUSE DR, CREWE CW2 6NA
HASLINGTON SURGERY HASLINGTON SURGERY CREWE RD, HASLINGTON, CREWE CW1 5QY
HUNGERFORD MEDICAL CENTRE HUNGERFORD MEDICAL CENTRE, SCHOOL CRES, CREWE CW1 5HA
MID CHESHIRE HOSPITAL TRUST LEIGHTON HOSPITAL, MIDDLEWICH ROAD, CREWE CW1 4QJ
OAKLANDS MEDICAL CENTRE OAKLANDS MEDICAL CENTRE, ST ANNS WALK, MIDDLEWICH CW10 9BE
VICTORIA INFIRMARY HOSPITAL VICTORIA INFIRMARY HOSPITAL, WINNINGTON HILL NORTHWICH CW8 1AW
WATERS EDGE MEDICAL CENTRE WATERS EDGE MEDICAL CENTRE, LEX HOUSE, WATERS EDGE MEDICAL CENTRE, 10-, 12 LEADSMITHY ST, MIDDLEWICH CW10 9BH

NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme: deciding whether to be screened

This information sheet is for men aged 65 and over. It is to help you decide if you want to get screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

An AAA is formed when the main blood vessel in the body weakens and starts to expand. As they expand, large AAAs can burst. This is a medical emergency that is fatal in around 80 out of every 100 cases.

Men aged 65 and over are most at risk of AAA. The NHS AAA Screening Programme invites men in England for screening during the year they turn 65. Men over 65 can contact the programme to arrange to be screened.

Research shows screening should prevent around 2,000 premature deaths from ruptured AAA every year through early detection, appropriate monitoring and treatment.

Aorta with an aneurysm diagram

Your choice

Screening is a choice. There are 2 options for men aged 65 and over. You can:

  • Attend screening
  • Decline screening

All screening involves a balance of benefits and risks. See the back of this information sheet for information about the potential benefits and risks of both options.

Here are some questions you may want to consider before deciding whether to be screened for abdominal aortic aneurysm:

Would you want to know if you had an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Would you be willing to have major surgery if screening showed that you had a large abdominal aortic aneurysm that could be repaired?

Possible results

No aneurysm found: About 985 out of every 1,000 men screened are reassured that no aneurysm has been found and are not offered any further tests.

Aneurysm detected: About 15 out of every 1,000 men screened have an aneurysm and are either invited back for regular tests or given an appointment with a surgeon to discuss treatment options.

Find out more at www.nhs.uk/aaa

Public Health England (PHE) created this information on behalf of the NHS

Potential risks and benefits of AAA screening

  Attending screening Not attending screening
Health About 9 out of every 10,000 men who attend screening die due to an AAA within 10 years. The ultrasound screening test itself is completely safe and does not affect health.
About 25 out of every 10,000 men who decline screening die due to an AAA within 10 years.
Screening results Screening finds aneurysms early so they can be monitored or treated. About 985 out of every 1,000 men screened are reassured that no aneurysm is found and they are not offered any further tests. About 15 out of every 1,000 men screened have an aneurysm and are either invited back for regular tests or given an appointment with a surgeon to discuss treatment options. Most people who have an aneurysm do not notice any symptoms. This means men who decline screening usually cannot tell if they have an aneurysm and avoid having to make a decision about whether to have a large aneurysm treated. They also avoid the worry that might come from learning they have a small aneurysm, even though it may never cause any problems.
Lifestyle About 985 out of every 1,000 men screened have a result of no aneurysm found and screening does not affect their lifestyle. About 15 out of every 1,000 men screened have an aneurysm and are offered advice on how to help stop the aneurysm getting bigger, including eating healthy foods, regular exercise and not smoking. Men with aneurysms 6.5cm wide or larger are advised to stop driving. Licences are reinstated if their aneurysms are repaired successfully. Men who decline screening usually cannot tell if they have an aneurysm. They will not receive any advice on what they could do to help stop an aneurysm getting bigger.
Treatment If you have a large aneurysm detected by screening, you are likely to be offered the choice of planned surgery to repair it. More than 98 out of every 100 patients survive planned surgery to repair an aneurysm. About 1 out of every 10,000 men who attend screening will die following planned surgery to repair an aneurysm and their aneurysm may never have burst if left untreated. If you decline screening you will probably not know you have an aneurysm unless it bursts. If an aneurysm bursts, your chances of survival are about 20 out of 100. About 25 out of every 10,000 men who decline screening will die within 10 years as a result of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. If these men had been screened, their aneurysms may have been detected and repaired successfully following planned surgery.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening: invitation leaflet - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

 

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