Men to be screened for aneurysms

Aortic aneurysm can be fatal but can be repaired if detected early

The first NHS screening programme offered just to men is to be rolled out in Scotland in three years' time, Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said.

From 2011 all men over the age of 65 will be screened by ultrasound for aortic aneurysm - a potentially fatal blood vessel condition.

If left untreated, the aneurysm could burst and the chances of survival are then less than 50%.

It is thought the screening programme could save about 170 lives per year.

Men are six times more likely to have an aneurysm than women.

If detected early enough, the condition can be corrected by surgery.

Screening programmes aimed specifically at women have been in place for more than two decades.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a hidden killer which mainly affect older men, most of whom will be unaware that they have the condition Nicola Sturgeon Health Secretary

The programme for men has already been piloted in the Highlands and Western Isles, but it will not up and running nationally until 2011.

The health secretary announced the screening, at an annual cost of £2.5m. Ms Sturgeon said: "Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a hidden killer which mainly affect older men, most of whom will be unaware that 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 10-minute scan can detect the aneurysm, enabling treatment to begin and saving hundreds of lives each year. That's why the Scottish Government has decided to introduce a national screening programme - our first male only screening programme - which will start in 2011."

Ms Sturgeon made her announcement at the 2008 NHS Scotland Event in Glasgow's SECC.