Preventive healthcare includes measures taken for disease prevention, rather than for disease treatment. Health, disease, and disability are dynamic processes which begin before individuals realize they are affected. Disease prevention relies on anticipatory actions which can be put into four categories -
- primary prevention- Methods to avoid the occurrence of disease either by the elimination of the disease causing agents or increasing resistance to the disease. This includes immunization, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen, and avoiding smoking.
- secondary prevention- Methods to detect and address an existing disease before the appearance of its symptoms. This includes treatment of hypertension or screening of cancer.
- tertiary prevention- Methods to reduce negative impact of symptomatic disease, such as disability or death, by rehabilitation and treatment. This includes surgical procedures that stop the spread or progression of disease.
- quaternary prevention- Methods to avoid results of unnecessary or excessive interventions in the health system.