Molecular risk assessment
Encyclopedia
Molecular risk assessment is a procedure in which biomarkers (for example, biological molecules or changes in tumor cell DNA
) are used to estimate a person’s risk for developing cancer
. Specific biomarkers may be linked to particular types of cancer.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms . The DNA segments that carry this genetic information are called genes, but other DNA sequences have structural purposes, or are involved in...
) are used to estimate a person’s risk for developing cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
. Specific biomarkers may be linked to particular types of cancer.
External links
- Molecular risk assessment entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms