A Liverpool man is urging others to take up the invite of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening when they’re invited at 65, this Men’s Health Month.

Rob Shaw, 72, an entertainer from Liverpool, was diagnosed with a small AAA following routine screening at 65, but it was only earlier this year the swelling in his aorta became large enough for surgery.

For five years, the team at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT monitored Rob, repeating the ultrasound annually until a couple of years ago when the scans became more frequent. In February this year, Rob was told that it was time for the AAA to be fixed.

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.

But the NHS offers a 10-minute, pain free scan of the abdomen (tummy) for all men in the year they turn 65, that can detect any swelling early, reduce the chances of rupture, and save lives.

Rob said: “When I was waiting for the operation, I had a phone call from the consultant on 13 May saying there had been a cancellation, and the very next day I was admitted to have the surgery on 15 May.

“What’s more, when I was having the surgery they fixed my umbilical hernia at the same time – two birds, one stone!”

Just eight days later, Rob was well enough to go home where his wife Sue could look after him, and just a few weeks later he was driving and gigging again.

He said: “My dad had AAA, and now me, so my son will be screened at 50 instead of 65. My consultant also recommended my sisters should be screened, as although it’s rarer that AAA affects women, it can do.”

Rob thinks it’s so important that people are aware of AAA screening and the dangers of undetected AAA. He said: “If you get the letter to go for the screening, get it done. For me, it was lifesaving.”

The latest data on the AAA screening programme shows that it is one of the best performing screening programmes delivered in the North West by the NHS, with an average coverage rate across region of 79.8%.

The stats also reveal that coverage for individuals living in the most deprived areas, of which there are a greater proportion in the North West, has risen almost 30% nationally from 2021/22 to 2024/25.

This reflects the hard work and determination of local services to boost attendance among populations who may face additional barriers and are at higher risk of AAA.

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, but the team in Cheshire and Merseyside have also made it even easier for men to have their AAA screening, by leasing a mobile unit in which to deliver the scans in the community.

Head of Public Health for NHS England in the North West, Tricia Spedding said: “While it’s brilliant that over the last few years, the number of men coming forward for screening has grown, it’s really important that we keep on raising awareness of AAA screening.

“Of all the screening programmes the NHS offers, AAA screening is the least well known, and yet the risk of an undetected and untreated AAA is one of the most deadly.

“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, as with Rob’s case, it can be treated early and monitored.

“Please, if the NHS invites you for AAA screening, don’t ignore the invite, 10 minutes could save your life.”

Across the North West, teams have been working hard to raise awareness of AAA, and AAA screening, including the launch of a brand-new media and social media campaign earlier in the year and investing in uptake officer roles – who work with communities to increase uptake of the scan. The improving uptake officers have attended community engagements and events such as football matches at Liverpool FC and Burnley FC, the Southport and Knowsley flower shows, as well as numerous health events.

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