Tuesday, September 09, 2025
Ontario Launching New Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program
TORONTO — The Ontario government is taking action to protect more people against life-threatening abdominal aortic aneurysms, which often have no symptoms and may go undetected until rupture, by launching a new screening program. The Ontario Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program (OAAASP) is the first of its kind in Canada and will help save lives by promoting early detection and prevention of ruptures.
“Abdominal aortic aneurysms affect 20,000 people across the country each year, and we know early detection and prevention of aortic ruptures will save lives,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Our government is proud to take this historic step by launching the first Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program in Canada, connecting more Ontarians to the care they need, where and when they need it.”
The government’s new screening program will help more people with early diagnosis and timely treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms, reducing the risk of sudden death and the need for emergency surgeries. An abdominal ultrasound is safe, free, only takes a few minutes and requires no preparation in advance. All people aged 65 and older are encouraged to get checked for abdominal aortic aneurysm, as they are at the greatest risk of experiencing one.
Starting today, Ontarians turning 65 will start receiving a screening letter in the mail from Ontario Health, encouraging them to discuss obtaining a requisition for an abdominal ultrasound screening test from their primary care provider. By the spring of 2026, the Ontario Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm Screening Program eligibility criteria will be expanded to include seniors aged 65 to 80, with plans also underway for eligible patients to have the option to self-refer directly to ultrasound labs for their abdominal screening.
As part of Your Health: A Plan for Connected and Convenient Care, the Ontario government is connecting more people to the services they need, when they need them. This includes ensuring communities have the tools they need to diagnose and treat illnesses earlier and keep people healthier.
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Quick Facts
- An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the wall of the aorta in the abdomen. Over time, the aneurysm can grow and could eventually burst. A burst in an aneurysm is a medical emergency because it causes serious internal bleeding and can be life-threatening.
- People aged 65 or older who have not been offered an abdominal ultrasound can ask their physician or nurse practitioner for one. If you do not have a physician or nurse practitioner, you can find one through Health Care Connect by calling 1-888-579-6707 or by visiting the Health Care Connect website.
- As part of 2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the province is investing up to $280 million over two years to support the expansion of Integrated Community Health Service Centres. This funding is in addition to the $275 million over the last three years, including $50 million in 2025–26, which was provided to hospitals to address surgical waitlists.
- The province is continuing to grow the health-care workforce, adding a historic number of new nurses and laboratory technologists through the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, As of Right rules and the 700 additional education seats for medical radiation and imaging technologists, medical laboratory technologists, medical lab technicians and medical radiation extenders.
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Quotes
"I know from experience how important this program is going to be for Ontarians. I cannot overstate the importance of having everyone know that this quick and painless ultrasound can detect a possible silent, life-threatening aneurysm and help people get timely, effective and proactive care."
- Vinicio Miccoli
Aortic aneurysm rupture survivor
"This is a truly important milestone. Screening will allow for early detection, potentially preventing rupture, enabling repair and avoiding other complications. This translates to improved health outcomes for patients and a reduction in the emergency surgeries that are required when an aneurysm ruptures."
- Matthew Anderson
President and CEO, Ontario Health
"With this launch, Ontario will lead the country as the first provincial health system to implement a systematic population-based abdominal aortic aneurysm screening program. I have seen firsthand how a simple, 10-minute ultrasound can save lives."
- Dr. Varun Kapila
Ontario Health Provincial Clinical Lead, Vascular
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