Definition
Measures that are undertaken to prevent disease, typically prophylactic surgery or medicine.
Use in clinical context
Some people inherit genetic variants that predispose them to developing certain diseases and conditions. While not all diseases and conditions are candidates for prophylactic surgery or medicine, some are. These interventions can significantly reduce the risk of developing disease. Such measures include the prescription of statins for those with genetic variants that increase their risk of familial hypercholesterolaemia, and mastectomies and oophorectomies for women with variants that increase their risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
