What is the Origin of Oncogenesis Risk?

The term combines the scientific process of "oncogenesis," the transformation of normal cells into cancer cells, with the clinical concept of "risk," which quantifies probability. The connection between hormones and cancer risk has been a major focus of endocrinology and oncology since the mid-twentieth century, driven by observational data and large-scale clinical trials, notably concerning estrogen and breast/endometrial cancer.

What is the Mechanism of Oncogenesis Risk?

The underlying mechanism involves hormones, particularly steroid hormones, binding to their nuclear receptors, which then act as transcription factors to regulate the expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression and apoptosis. When a hormone or its metabolite stimulates the excessive proliferation of cells with pre-existing genetic damage, or directly induces DNA damage, it can promote the development of malignancy. Clinical assessment, therefore, must weigh the proliferative stimulus of the therapy against the patient's individual genetic and environmental risk factors.

Oncogenesis Risk

Meaning

Oncogenesis risk refers to the calculated or estimated probability that an intervention, a lifestyle factor, or a pre-existing condition will contribute to the initiation or progression of cancer, which is the process of oncogenesis. In the domain of hormonal health, this risk is a critical consideration, particularly when prescribing long-term hormone replacement therapies, as certain hormones can influence cellular proliferation and genetic stability in target tissues. Clinical management involves careful risk stratification and continuous monitoring.