Raman spectroscopy and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are proving to be invaluable tools in the field of biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. Raman systems are also being developed for molecular diagnostic testing to detect and measure human cancer biomarkers. This review highlights two applications realting to breast cancer and pancreatic cancer diagnosis together with examples of the use of Raman spectrometry in biomedical research areas such as the identification of bacterial infections, showing that Raman is an important part of the medical toolbox, as we continually strive to improve diagnostic techniques and bring a better health care system to patients.