Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a swelling in the aorta, the main artery that carries blood from the heart to the tummy (abdomen). Most aneurysms do not cause symptoms, but can be serious because there’s a risk they could burst (rupture), which can be fatal.

As men aged 65 or over are most at risk of AAA, Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals offers screening to all men during the year they turn 65 as part of the national screening programme. Screening can identify an aortic aneurysm early allowing it to be monitored or, in some cases, repaired.

AAA screening is not routinely offered to:

  • women
  • men under 65
  • people who’ve already been treated for an AAA

This is because the risk of an AAA is much smaller in these groups. However, if you have a family history of AAA, you may wish to contact your GP who can arrange screening outside of the national programme.

Men over 65 who have not already been screened can contact the screening programme office on 01709 649100 to arrange an appointment.

More information on AAA can be found on the NHS website here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm/

Further details of the AAA screening programme can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening/

The video below walks you through a typical AAA screening appointment. It’s only a few minutes long and may answer any questions you may have:

Below are some recent press release about the service, to read more click below:

Ten minute scan potentially saves the life of local man

Local Trust celebrates ten years of vital screening programme


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