Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for diagnostic or prognostic assay for cancer based on analysis of altered methylation status at specific CpG dinucleotide sequences within the epigenetic marker, NBL2. The methods of the invention comprise determining the methylation status of a subregion of genomic CpG dinucleotide sequences within the DNA repeat, NBL2, in a sample of a subject and comparing the methylation status of the genomic CpG dinucleotide sequences in the sample to the methylation status of the genomic CpG dinucleotide sequences in a reference, wherein a difference in the methylation status of the genomic CpG dinucleotide sequences in the sample as compared to the reference indicates an association of the subject with cancer or cancer progression. The invention further relates to genomic DNA sequences that exhibit altered CpG methylation status in disease state as compared to normal state.