Which of the following is a requirement for a disease to be suitable for population-based screening?

• A The disease should be rare in the community
• B The natural history should include a detectable preclinical phase ✓
• C Early treatment should not improve outcomes compared to late treatment
• D Treatment should be available only for advanced-stage disease

Explanation

Wilson and Jungner (1968) criteria for screening require that the disease has a recognizable latent or early symptomatic stage (detectable preclinical phase) during which treatment is more effective. Other criteria include the disease being an important health problem, availability of accepted treatment, and a suitable, acceptable screening test. Rare diseases with no effective early treatment are poor candidates for screening.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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