Secondary prevention strategies focus on the early detection of health threats and the rapid initiation of treatment. Which strategy best illustrates secondary prevention?

• A. Treatment of dental caries
• B. Surgical removal of cancerous tumors
• C. Blood pressure screenings to detect heart disease
• D. Guaiac testing to check for hidden gastrointestinal disorders

Answer: (C)

Secondary prevention focuses on finding disease early in people who have no symptoms and starting treatment promptly to prevent progression and complications. Blood pressure screening fits this idea because many individuals with hypertension feel fine, yet high blood pressure greatly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Detecting it early allows immediate steps—lifestyle changes, regular monitoring, and medication—to reduce the chance of serious cardiovascular events before symptoms appear. The other scenarios involve addressing conditions after they’re already present or testing for other issues, whereas this BP screening most directly demonstrates detecting a major health threat early and starting treatment right away.