Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Cancer Cancer is one of the leading causes of human mortality worldwide. Even though leaps have been made in the fight against it, mortality rates still remain higher than they should be. In recent decades, there has been focused research on the molecular mechanisms of cancer to try and elucidate information that will help improve drug delivery and survival rates in patients. This article will give a brief overview of this subject. Image Credit: CI Photos / Shutterstock.com The Genetic and Molecular Basis of Cancer DNA is the basis of all life on Earth. In a healthy body, DNA divides and replicates in a normal way, without any harmful effects to the organism. However, genetic material can sometimes undergo specific damage at a molecular level due to any number of stressor factors both extrinsic and intrinsic. Hereditary conditions, exposure to radiation, and carcinogens contained within such lifestyle choices as smoking and diet are just some of the stressors that can lead to mutations in DNA.