cancer
KAN-suh
Cancer (noun) means a disease in which abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, often forming tumours. Example: “Regular check-ups can help doctors find cancer early, when it is easier to treat.”
noun
1
A disease in which abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, often forming tumours.
"Regular check-ups can help doctors find cancer early, when it is easier to treat."
"Her grandmother is recovering from breast cancer."
"Researchers are developing new treatments for lung cancer."
2
Figuratively, something harmful that spreads and worsens unchecked.
"Rumours can be a cancer in a small team, slowly destroying trust."
"The editor said that online hatred had become a cancer in public debate."
"Corruption became a cancer within the organisation."
3
The zodiac sign of the crab, covering birthdays from late June to late July.
"My brother was born in early July, so he is a Cancer."
"Do you think a Cancer and a Leo would get along?"
"As a Cancer, she is said to be nurturing and intuitive."
How to use cancer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often refers to the disease involving uncontrolled cell growth; also the zodiac sign named after the crab constellation.
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Word forms
- Plural
- cancers
- Comparative
- more cancer
- Superlative
- most cancer
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Regular check-ups can help doctors find _____ early, when it is easier to treat.
Etymology
From Latin cancer, "crab", echoing the Greek karkinos, applied to tumours because their swollen veins were thought to resemble a crab's legs.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for cancer
See all rhymes for cancer →Frequently asked questions
What does “cancer” mean?
The word “cancer” means a disease in which abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, often forming tumours. In plain terms, most often refers to the disease involving uncontrolled cell growth; also the zodiac sign named after the crab constellation.
How do you pronounce “cancer”?
“Cancer” is pronounced KAN-suh (/ˈkænsɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “cancer” in a sentence?
Here is “cancer” used in a sentence: “Her grandmother is recovering from breast cancer.”
What is another word for “cancer”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cancer” include Crab.
What is the opposite of “cancer”?
The opposite of “cancer” — its antonyms — is Capricornus.
What part of speech is “cancer”?
“Cancer” is a noun.
Where does the word “cancer” come from?
The word “cancer” comes from Latin. From Latin cancer, "crab", echoing the Greek karkinos, applied to tumours because their swollen veins were thought to resemble a crab's legs.
Is “cancer” a common word?
“Cancer” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between cancer and canker?
Despite sounding similar, they are unrelated. Cancer is a serious disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, often forming tumours. A canker is a small ulcer or sore — a canker sore appears in the mouth — and in plants it means an area of dead, diseased bark. Only the spelling is close.
What are the main types of cancer?
Cancers are usually named after where they begin, such as breast, lung, skin, or bowel cancer. Doctors also group them by cell type: carcinomas start in skin or organ linings, sarcomas in bone or soft tissue, leukaemias in blood, and lymphomas in the immune system. There are more than a hundred kinds.
Can cancer be cured?
Many cancers can be treated successfully, and some are curable, especially when found early. Outcomes depend heavily on the type, stage, and the person's overall health. Common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and newer targeted therapies. Even when a cure isn't possible, treatment can often control the disease and extend life.
What is the difference between a tumour and cancer?
A tumour is simply a lump formed by abnormal cell growth, and not all tumours are cancer. Benign tumours grow slowly, stay in one place, and are usually harmless. Malignant tumours are cancerous — they invade nearby tissue and can spread. So cancer always involves harmful growth, but a tumour may be entirely benign.
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