The early identification and treatment of asymptomatic individuals with risk factors relates to which level of prevention?

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

Answer: (A)

Secondary prevention focuses on identifying diseases early in people who have risk factors but no symptoms, and starting treatment promptly to prevent progression and reduce complications. When someone is asymptomatic yet at risk, screening tests (like blood pressure checks, lipid panels, mammography, colonoscopy) can detect a condition before signs appear. Treating or managing the condition at this stage helps prevent the disease from advancing, lowering morbidity and mortality. This differs from primary prevention, which aims to prevent the disease from developing in the first place through risk-reduction strategies; tertiary prevention, which aims to minimize damage and disability after disease has already established; and quaternary prevention, which aims to protect patients from overtesting and overtreatment.