A national screening programme that aims to detect a potentially life-threatening condition has been rolled out to parts of Suffolk.
All men will be invited to their local hospital, GP surgery or health clinic in the year that they turn 65 for a simple and pain-free ultrasound test to see if they have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Screening is taking place at 65 locations across the area, including Eye Health Centre, Fressingfield Medical Centre and Hartismere Hospital in Eye.
An AAA is a weakening and expansion of the aorta, the main blood vessel in the body that runs from the heart down through the chest and abdomen. The aim of the NHS Abdominal Aortic Screening Programme is to reduce deaths from ruptured AAAs among men aged 65 and over by up to 50pc.
By April 2013, AAA screening is expected to be implemented throughout England.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here