Bone mineral density screening in women older than 65 years is an example of which type of prevention?

• A. Primary
• B. Secondary
• C. Tertiary
• D. Quaternary

Answer: (B)

Screening to detect osteoporosis in women over 65 is a form of secondary prevention. The idea is to identify an existing condition early so that treatment can prevent its progression and reduce complications, like fractures. It’s not primary prevention, which aims to stop the disease from developing in the first place, and not tertiary prevention, which would focus on reducing damage after a fracture has already occurred. Quaternary prevention isn’t the focus here, as this screening isn’t about avoiding overmedicalization. Detecting osteoporosis early allows starting interventions (calcium/vitamin D, exercise, medications) to lower fracture risk.