A Lancashire man says men who ignore the invitation for life-saving screening are playing a game of Russian Roulette.

This Men’s Health Week, Shaun Flatley, 65, from Rossendale is urging other men to go for their AAA screening when they’re invited, after the scan saved his life.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a bulge in the aorta, which is the largest artery in the body. If the AAA ruptures, it can be deadly, and sadly around 82% of people with an untreated AAA will die from it. The screening test is designed to detect any swelling early, reduce the chances of rupture, and save lives.

In October 2024, Shaun received a text from the NHS inviting him to a AAA screening check, which is a quick, pain free scan of the abdomen, offered to all men in the year they turn 65.

“I couldn’t actually make the first appointment,” Shaun said, “but after clicking the link in the text message, and reading what AAA is, I knew that is was important and I called to reschedule.”

Although Shaun felt completely fine, he attended the screening test at his local health centre in February, where an ultrasound discovered a 9cm aneurysm. Anything over 5.5cm is considered a large aneurysm and will need treatment.

Shaun said: “The nurses, who were brilliant, phoned Blackburn Hospital and about an hour and a half later I was in a meeting with the consultant. It happened very fast; it was amazing care.

“For the following two weeks I went for loads of tests and checks, including a CT scan, but 20 days after the aneurysm was discovered I had the operation to repair it.

“Thankfully everything went well, and eight days later I was allowed home.”

Of all the NHS screening programmes, AAA screening is the least known. In February 2025, the NHS in the North West launched a brand new, first-of-its kind campaign, to raise awareness of the lifesaving screening programme, and encourage eligible people to come forward for screening when invited.

Shaun continued: “When I got the text, I had no idea what it was, so a campaign to raise awareness is exactly what’s needed.

“Ignoring the invite is like Russian Roulette, it’s a few minutes that could save your life.”

AAA screening is recommended for anyone born male, as they are more likely to have an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

The AAA screening test usually takes place in a GP practice or a health centre, but sometimes can be in hospital, and all men registered with a GP will be invited for screening in their 65th year.

Dr Michael Gregory, Regional Medical Director for NHS England in the North West said: “Raising awareness of AAA screening across the North West, and the risks of an undetected and untreated AAA is so important.

“Many men who come forward for screening have never heard of AAA, but the scan is completely painless, and if there is no aneurysm detected, you don’t need to have any more scans and if we do detect an aneurysm, it can be treated early and monitored.

“Don’t ignore your invite, your free 10-minute scan could save your life.”

It is estimated AAA rupture occurs in about 1 in 10,000 people annually, primarily affecting men over 65-years-old with risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, and a family history of aneurysms.

If the NHS has invited you for your AAA screening but missed your appointment, you can still contact your GP practice to arrange one.

Don’t ignore your invite, your free 10-minute scan could save your life. Find out more: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening – NHS