Men are being urged to get tested for a lesser-known condition as uptake in Bolton is below the national target. 

The NHS is asking locals to get tested for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA) once they pass the age of 65. 

At this age and over, men are more at risk of getting AAAs, and screenings can help spot a swelling in the aorta earlier on when it can be treated. 

One in 70 men will have an AAA in their lives. If the condition is not identified, it can be potentially fatal. 

Angela Aldridge, AAA Screening Programme Manager at the Greater Manchester and Eastern Cheshire Strategic Clinical Network, said: "It is an illness you wouldn't know you have, unless we screen for it. 

"If we do the scan and there is no aneurysm, we won't need to see you again. If you have one but it doesn't measure over 3cm, we won't need to see you again. 

"If you have one of 3cm and upwards, we would need to monitor them with a number of scans to check for growth. 

The Bolton News: AAA scanAAA scan (Image: NHS)

"If it grows to 5.5cm or over, you would then go to a vascular specialist to repair it, which is much safer than landing in A&E with a rupture." 

She added: "If they do rupture, it can be instant death. You have got to get to an A&E with a vascular specialist to have them do the operation. But it is so much better to electively repair it rather than repair a rupture. 

"The survival rates from repairing ruptured aneurysms are not great. We asked the public 'have you heard of it before' and the majority hadn't. 

"Additional risks include people who are smoking or who have smoked in the past, those with cardiovascular issues, certain genetic conditions or family members who have had it. 

"It is really important that they get it checked out, because it could save their life."

She added: "It can be done in the community, you can be screened at different venues and health centres across the region."

For further information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/abdominal-aortic-aneurysm-screening-invitation-leaflet/html-version

Alternatively, the AAA screening programme can be contacted on: 0161 291 5716. 

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