Real risks and benefits of screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm in men

Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is responsible for the premature death of more than 4000 men per year in England and Wales (Anjum et al., 2012 [1]). The condition is appropriate for screening, with, the aim to prevent premature death from AAA rupture. Screening is the investigation of people for an, otherwise unsuspected condition. Screening for many diseases is currently popular among the lay, press, on the basis that prevention of a serious condition is better than cure. Yet all screening is a, balance of potential harms and benefits. Making an informed choice about attending screening requires, that invited subjects receive balanced information about both the pros and cons. Information given to invited subjects usually contains key facts such as the significant benefits and major harms. The aim of this article is to examine some of the less obvious consequences of accepting or declining the offer of screening for AAA. There are also more subtle advantages and hazards that are less easily communicated, that may have consequences beyond the individual.