What does the term "screening" mean in the context of preventive care?

Screening in the context of preventive care refers specifically to the process of identifying unrecognized diseases in asymptomatic individuals. This process is critical in preventive healthcare, as it allows for the detection of diseases at an early stage when they may be more amenable to treatment and when interventions could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality.

The aim of screening is to identify individuals who may have a disease but do not yet exhibit any symptoms, facilitating early intervention that can improve health outcomes. Common examples include screenings for conditions such as breast cancer (via mammograms), cervical cancer (via Pap tests), and colorectal cancer (via colonoscopy), among others. These screenings are typically recommended based on age, risk factors, and guidelines established by health organizations.

In contrast, diagnosing diseases involves determining the nature of an illness in individuals who present with specific symptoms; treating symptomatic individuals focuses on providing care to those already showing signs of illness; and monitoring existing health issues refers to the ongoing assessment of individuals who have already been diagnosed with a particular health condition. Thus, option C accurately encapsulates the core purpose of screening in preventive care.