Cancer

/ˈkæn.sɚ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.

A malignant growth or tumor resulting from such a disease.

The doctor found a cancer in his lungs during the examination.

A person afflicted with cancer.

Many cancer patients find support groups helpful.

A zodiac sign represented by a crab, covering those born between June 21 and July 22.

As a Cancer, she is known for her emotional depth and caring nature.

From Old French 'cancer', from Latin 'cancer', meaning 'crab', because the finger-like projections of a cancerous tumor resemble a crab's claws.

cancer survivor

A person who has successfully fought against cancer.

fight cancer

The act of battling against cancer through treatment.

stage of cancer

A classification of the progression of cancer.

carcinogen

A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.

oncology

The branch of medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

tumor

An abnormal mass of tissue that may be benign or malignant.

A term used informally to describe something that is detrimental or harmful.

That new policy is cancer for our community.

Used to describe an overly invasive or distressing issue.

The bureaucracy in this organization is cancer.