Wilson and Jungner criteria for population-based screening include all of the following EXCEPT:

• A There should be an accepted, effective treatment available for recognized disease
• B The cost of case-finding should be economically balanced to healthcare expenditure
• C Case-finding should be a continuing process and not a once and for all project
• D The natural history of the disease must be fully understood and include a rapid progression stage to allow intervention ✓

Explanation

The Wilson and Jungner criteria require that the natural history of the disease be adequately understood and include a recognizable latent or early symptomatic stage — this is the 'detectable preclinical phase' that allows screening benefit. They do NOT require rapid progression; in fact, screening is most useful when there is a slow-growing latent phase giving a window for early detection. The criteria include accepted treatment, cost-effectiveness, and continuity of the screening programme, all of which are listed. Criterion A's phrase 'rapid progression stage' is incorrect.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.