Absolute risk
What it is
Absolute risk is the probability that a specified outcome occurs in a defined population over a stated period.
What it does
It gives the baseline scale needed to interpret a relative effect.
Research context and ingredient forms
Absolute risk and absolute risk difference are separate quantities.
Using this information
For an illustrative 3% risk, about 3 of 100 people experience the outcome over that period. This example is not a prediction for an individual.
Scientific Research & References
- NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: absolute risk
National Cancer Institute
Limitations: Terminology support only; not evidence of benefit for a particular intervention.
Source assessment recorded.
Related dictionary entries
Products containing it
No label-specific product relationship has been reviewed for this entry.