cancer
gb/kˈænsɚ/ us/kˈænsɚ/
B1
English
~ 2100
rák, rákfene, métely
NOUN
B1
1
rák
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone] has [type of] cancer
She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year.
Tavaly mellrákot diagnosztizáltak nála.
Cancer can affect almost any part of the body.
A rák a test szinte bármely részét érintheti.
Scientists are working hard to find a cure for cancer.
Smoking greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.
Learner examples
My uncle has cancer.
A nagybátyám rákos.
Cancer is a serious illness.
A rák súlyos betegség.
Doctors try to stop cancer from spreading.
He is getting treatment for cancer.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'cancer' with other illnesses like 'flu' or 'cold', which are caused by infections, not uncontrolled cell growth.
Meaning
Serious disease with abnormal cell growth
Collocations
cancer treatment
|cancer patient
|cancer research
|spread of cancer
|cancer diagnosis
Synonyms
malignancy (More formal or technical term used in medical contexts.)
Antonyms
health (The opposite state of being free from illness.)
Themes
health
|medicine
|science
Definition
A disease where cells in the body grow too fast and can harm the body.
A serious disease in which cells in the body grow out of control and can spread to other parts of the body.
NOUN
B2
2
Rák
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a Cancer
My sister is a Cancer, and she loves the water.
A nővérem Rák, és imádja a vizet.
Cancer is said to be ruled by the Moon.
A Rákról azt tartják, hogy a Hold uralja.
People born under Cancer are often described as caring and sensitive.
Learner examples
I am a Cancer.
Rák vagyok.
She was born in July, so she is a Cancer.
Júliusban született, ezért Rák.
Cancer is my zodiac sign.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse the zodiac sign with the disease; context usually makes it clear.
Meaning
Astrological sign for late June to July birthdays
Collocations
Cancer horoscope
|born under Cancer
|Cancer traits
Synonyms
the Crab (Astrological symbol representing Cancer.)
Antonyms
Capricorn (An opposite zodiac sign in astrological charts.)
Themes
astrology
|culture
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A star sign for people born from about June 21 to July 22.
The fourth sign of the zodiac, represented by the Crab, for people born between about June 21 and July 22.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
[something] is a cancer on [something]
Corruption is a cancer on our democracy.
A korrupció demokráciánk rákfenéje.
Racism has been described as a cancer in society.
A rasszizmust a társadalom rákfenéjének nevezték.
Some see poverty as a cancer that must be eradicated.
Learner examples
Corruption is like a cancer in the city.
A korrupció a város rákfenéje.
Hate can be a cancer in a group.
A gyűlölet egy csoport rákfenéjévé válhat.
Violence is a cancer in our world.
Common mistake:
Learners may interpret the metaphor literally instead of understanding it as figurative language.
Meaning
Harmful influence that spreads over time
Collocations
a cancer on society
|political corruption is a cancer
Synonyms
blight (Emphasizes something that spoils or damages.)
Antonyms
benefit (Positive force that improves rather than harms.)
Themes
society
|metaphor
|core_vocabulary
Definition
Something bad that slowly spreads and causes harm.
Something considered to be very harmful that spreads and causes damage over time, often used metaphorically.
Grammar
Dictionary form
cancer
IPA
GB/kˈænsɚ/
US/kˈænsɚ/
Syllables & stress
can - cer (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (can)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: cancer
- Plural: cancer, cancers
Word family
Forms
cancers
noun
Core family
cancerous
adjective
Related words
carcinogen
noun
carcinogenic
adjective
Negative and opposite forms
noncancerous
adjective
Advanced or less common
oncology
noun
oncologist
noun
carcinoma
noun
Expressions
Battle with cancer
1/bˈætəl wˈɪθ kˈænsɚ/
idiom
Struggle against having cancer
A fight to get better when you have cancer.
Examples
- He lost his long battle with cancer last year.
- After a two-year battle with cancer, she is now in remission.
Cancer awareness
1/kˈænsɚ əwˈɛɹnəs/
fixed phrase
Public knowledge about preventing or detecting cancer
When people know more about how to stop or find cancer early.
Examples
- October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- The charity works to raise cancer awareness among young people.
Cancer research
1/kˈænsɚ ɹisˈɚt͡ʃ/
fixed phrase
Scientific study of cancer causes and cures
The study of what causes cancer and how to treat it.
Examples
- He works in cancer research at a major hospital.
- Cancer research has led to many new treatments.
Cancer treatment
1/kˈænsɚ tɹˈitmənt/
fixed phrase
Medical care to fight cancer
The medical help given to stop or slow down cancer.
Examples
- She is undergoing cancer treatment at the clinic.
- Cancer treatment can include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Cancer survivor
1/kˈænsɚ sɚvˈaɪvɚ/
fixed phrase
Person who has recovered from cancer
A person who has had cancer but is still alive after treatment.
Examples
- She is a proud cancer survivor who now helps others going through treatment.
- As a cancer survivor, she speaks at schools about early testing.
- The event honors cancer survivors and raises money for research.
- The charity offers free counseling to cancer survivors and their families.
- He proudly wore a T-shirt that said 'cancer survivor' at the event.