Molecular mechanisms involve the biochemical processes at the cellular level that lead to disease. These include the pathways through which cells communicate, the regulation of cell growth and death, and the response to environmental factors. For example, the study of molecular mechanisms underlying cancer has revealed how mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. By understanding these mechanisms, epidemiologists can develop better strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
