Screening to save men from 'hidden killer'

Published on Tuesday 24 June 2008 22:46

A SCREENING programme which could save at least three men a week from a "hidden killer" was announced yesterday by the Scottish Government.

From 2011, men aged 65 are to be offered an ultrasound scan to detect the presence of aortic aneurysms, a life-threatening condition.

If the scan is positive, treatment can begin. If the scan is negative, it effectively rules out developing the condition.

The move was announced by Nicola Sturgeon, the health secretary, who said it should save the lives of at least 170 men a year.

Scotland's first male-only screening programme will cost 2.5 million a year to run, and 5 million will be spent over the next three years on setting it up.

The condition is a ballooning of part of the aorta within the abdomen.

The main risk from the condition is a rupturing of the aneurysm, causing death in up to 85 per cent of cases.

Experience of a screening programme was gained in a three-year pilot scheme in the Highlands and the Western Isles.

Announcing the plan, Ms Sturgeon said: "Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a hidden killer which mainly affect older men, most of whom will be unaware they have the condition.

"Sadly, the first sign of a problem for many men will be when the aneurysm ruptures and, by that time, it's often too late, despite the best efforts of our health service. But a simple ten-minute scan can detect the aneurysm, enabling treatment to begin and saving hundreds of lives each year."

She made the announcement at a conference in Glasgow of 1,000 NHS front-line staff and senior managers.