A 55-year-old man with no symptoms undergoes a colonoscopy to detect early colorectal cancer. This intervention represents which level of prevention?

• A Primordial prevention
• B Primary prevention
• C Tertiary prevention
• D Secondary prevention ✓

Explanation

Secondary prevention involves early detection and prompt treatment of disease before symptoms appear, typically through screening programmes. Colonoscopy in an asymptomatic individual aims to detect early-stage cancer or precancerous polyps. Primary prevention targets risk factors in healthy individuals, primordial prevention stops risk factors from emerging, and tertiary prevention reduces disability and complications from established disease. Screening is the hallmark of secondary prevention.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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