Which level of prevention is associated with early detection through screening and mitigation/treatment to prevent progression?

Which level of prevention is associated with early detection through screening and mitigation/treatment to prevent progression?

• A. Primary
• B. Secondary
• C. Tertiary
• D. Quaternary

Answer: (B)

Prevention at this level focuses on finding disease early and stopping it from getting worse. Screening tests look for conditions before symptoms appear, and once a disease is detected, treatment is aimed at preventing progression and future complications. That combination—early detection plus intervention to halt advancement—is the hallmark of secondary prevention. For contrast, primary prevention aims to stop disease from ever developing (vaccines, lifestyle changes). Tertiary prevention occurs after disease has already caused symptoms, focusing on reducing damage and aiding recovery. Quaternary prevention is not part of the classic three-tier framework and deals with avoiding overdiagnosis or overtreatment.

Prevention at this level focuses on finding disease early and stopping it from getting worse. Screening tests look for conditions before symptoms appear, and once a disease is detected, treatment is aimed at preventing progression and future complications. That combination—early detection plus intervention to halt advancement—is the hallmark of secondary prevention.

For contrast, primary prevention aims to stop disease from ever developing (vaccines, lifestyle changes). Tertiary prevention occurs after disease has already caused symptoms, focusing on reducing damage and aiding recovery. Quaternary prevention is not part of the classic three-tier framework and deals with avoiding overdiagnosis or overtreatment.