Epidemiology: Wilson and Jungner screening criteria: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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PSM · Epidemiology: Wilson and Jungner screening criteria

Sample item

A district proposes mass screening for a cancer that is an important health problem, has a long detectable pre-clinical phase and a well-understood natural history, but for which no effective therapy exists. Which Wilson and Jungner criterion is not met?

AThe condition should be an important health problemBThe natural history, including the latent stage, should be adequately understoodCThere should be a recognisable latent or early symptomatic stageDThere should be an accepted treatment for patients with recognised disease

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. There should be an accepted treatment for patients with recognised disease

The Wilson and Jungner criteria require, among others, an important condition, an accepted treatment, a recognisable latent or early stage and a well-understood natural history. In this scenario the other three are met. Detecting a disease that cannot be effectively treated gives no benefit and only adds labelling and anxiety.

Option by option

A. The condition should be an important health problem
The stem states that the cancer is an important health problem, so this criterion is satisfied.
B. The natural history, including the latent stage, should be adequately understood
The stem states that the natural history is well understood, so this criterion is satisfied.
C. There should be a recognisable latent or early symptomatic stage
A long detectable pre-clinical phase is stated, so this criterion is satisfied.
D. There should be an accepted treatment for patients with recognised disease (correct)
Correct. Without effective therapy, early detection cannot improve outcome.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is D, There should be an accepted treatment for patients with recognised disease. The Wilson and Jungner criteria require, among others, an important condition, an accepted treatment, a recognisable latent or early stage and a well-understood natural history.

Why is "The condition should be an important health problem" not the answer?

The stem states that the cancer is an important health problem, so this criterion is satisfied.

Why is "The natural history, including the latent stage, should be adequately…" not the answer?

The stem states that the natural history is well understood, so this criterion is satisfied.

Why is "There should be a recognisable latent or early symptomatic stage" not the answer?

A long detectable pre-clinical phase is stated, so this criterion is satisfied.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Epidemiology: Wilson and Jungner screening criteria in PSM. In this scenario the other three are met. Detecting a disease that cannot be effectively treated gives no benefit and only adds labelling and anxiety.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Epidemiology: Wilson and Jungner screening criteria?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.