"The aorta is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. It runs from the heart down through the 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 forms what is called an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The condition is most common among men aged 65 and above, and can become serious because it does not have any symptoms. However, treatment for AAAs detected through screening is highly effective."
Prof. Charles McCollum Programme Lead
Screening to save lives at UHSM
UHSM has been chosen to host the NHS screening programme for Greater Manchester which is capable of detecting weakness in the main artery of the body and of preventing unnecessary deaths in older men.
The NHS Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme aims to reduce AAA-related mortality among men over 65 by up to 50 per cent through early detection, appropriate monitoring and treatment.
The condition kills around 6000 men every year in this country and is six times more common in men than women. Most at risk include smokers, men with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or overweight. However, if detected early enough, it can be corrected by surgery.
The Greater Manchester Public Health Practice Unit, based at NHS Bury, has awarded the contract to UHSM after a rigorous tendering process. Formal handover will be effective from April 1.
The programme's objectives are to:
- Identify and invite eligible men for screening during the year they turn 65
- Provide clear, high non-invasive and pain-free information that is accessible to all
- Carry out high quality abdominal ultrasound scans on those men attending screening
- Minimise the adverse effects of screening, including anxiety and unnecessary investigations
- Identify AAAs accurately
- Ensure appropriate and effective management of cardiovascular risk factors identified through screening
- Ensure high quality diagnostic and treatment services
- Promote audit and research and learn from the results
All men eligible to participate in the screening programme will be given access to adequate information about the potential benefits and risks of screening to enable them to make an informed decision before participating.