The NHS has a screening programme for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA). AAA is a condition found predominantly in older men where the wall of the main artery to the trunk and lower body is weakened and in extreme cases can fail. Under the NHS AAA screening programme men are offered screening in the year that they are 65 years old. Older men who have not been screened can self refer by calling 01865 572636. The screening is by ultrasound, takes only a few minutes and is painless. At the most recent meeting of Reading's Health and Wellbeing Board on 30th January 2015, it was reported that the takeup of screening across the two Reading CCGs for the 65-year-old cohort is above 71% with a small number of older persons also referring themselves. The target takeup is 80% for the Thames Valley. Reading's figures have increased and are expected to continue increasing. . Of those offered screening in South Reading only 65% were tested - well below the 80% target.