Madam,

Last week I had a very important medical check. It’s called an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm scan (AAA).

It involves using ultrasound to discover if there are any swellings in the wall of the aorta, the largest artery in the human body. If there is a large swelling or aneurysm present, it is very dangerous, because a burst would result in catastrophic internal bleeding.

Thankfully, in my case, I was given the all clear.

The reason I write is that I am 72 years of age and only found out about the screening through a press report last year. Since last year, men in their late 60s are now given an automatic AAA screening test under the Wales Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Programme.

However, men in their 70s missed the age deadline (please excuse the term!) Therefore, they are left to their own devices to obtain a test.

The very nice nurse suggested that I inform any other men in their 70s who are unaware of this completely painless, and totally free ultrasonic scan.

So I have taken it upon myself to write this letter and to send it to about ten or more Welsh newspapers. I hate to say it, but why has Public Health Wales not thought of that? It would have cost them nothing!

Anyway, the programme website is www.aaascreening.wales.nhs.uk and the phone numbers are 01492 863563 for the North Wales screening office; 01443 235161 for South East Wales and 01792 453162 for South West Wales. This letter may save several lives... one of which may be yours!

By the way, I’m not being sexist; the AAA test is for men because they are apparently the gender at risk.

My abdominal swelling is down to good living and thankfully, not in the aorta!

Thank you to the wonderful newspapers of Wales! And keep buying them!

Yours etc, Lyn Jenkins, Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park, Gwbert, Cardigan.

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