Which term refers to the early detection and treatment of disease?

• A. Secondary prevention
• B. Tertiary prevention
• C. Primary prevention
• D. Preventative care

Answer: (A)

The term that refers to the early detection and treatment of disease is secondary prevention. This approach aims to reduce the impact of a disease that has already occurred by identifying and treating it early. Examples include screening tests for conditions such as cancer, diabetes, or hypertension, which can lead to earlier interventions and better health outcomes.

Primary prevention, in contrast, focuses on preventing the onset of disease before it occurs through measures like vaccinations and lifestyle changes. Tertiary prevention is concerned with managing and reducing the impact of long-term disease and disability after a disease has been diagnosed. Preventative care is a broader term that can encompass various types of health care aimed at preventing illness, but it does not specifically denote the early detection and treatment aspect that secondary prevention highlights. Thus, secondary prevention is the most accurate term for the early detection and treatment of disease.