Screening programme to be introduced in Scotland

A screening programme aimed at identifying men at risk of a potentially fatal condition is to be rolled out across Scotland.
Men aged 65 are to be offered a scan for signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm - a bulge in the wall of the largest artery in the body, which originates in the left ventricle of the heart and extends down to the abdomen - in an effort to cut death rates.
In Scotland about 5% of men aged between 65 and 75 are believed to be at risk and Ministers said the programme could save 170 lives a year by finding and treating aneurysms early.
Figures indicate that when an aneurysm ruptures, up to 80% of patients die, despite access to medical treatment.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a hidden killer which affects one in 20 men in Scotland, 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 - if left unscreened more than 8 in 10 ruptures can prove fatal.
"But a simple 10-minute scan can detect the aneurysm, enabling treatment to begin and saving hundreds of lives each year."
The programme's annual running cost will be about £2 million a year, once roll-out is completed by December 2013, but it is expected to be cost-neutral, as screening should mean fewer emergency operations will have to be performed.
Age Scotland spokesman Lindsay Scott said: "There is no doubt that lives will be saved as a direct consequence of this screening programme. This is a silent killer with many patients not having any symptoms to indicate they are at risk."
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