Implementation of the National Health Service Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program in England

Abstract

The National Health Service Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program (NAAASP) has been introduced after research and analysis of data from a number of randomized trials and existing local screening programs in England that showed a reduction in aneurysm-related mortality when men aged ≥ 65 years were offered ultrasound screening. The evidence was assessed by the United Kingdom National Screening Committee against a set of internationally recognized criteria that confirmed that screening all men aged ≥ 65 years saves lives. The introduction of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening to men aged 65 years is estimated to reduce premature death from ruptured AAAs by up to 50% over the next 10 years. This article describes the AAA screening program in England, its ongoing implementation and current challenges, and outcomes in the first 150,000 men.