Ontario Launching New Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program

September 9, 2025

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.

Our 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.

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.

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.

Our government is proud to take the historic step of launching the first Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening Program in Canada, connecting more Ontarians to the care they need, where and when they need it.