What does it mean word for word?
The phrase detección de cáncer de mama literally means 'detection of cancer of breast', composed of detección (detection), de (of), cáncer (cancer), de (of) and mama (breast).
Which one should you use?
You may also see Examen de Detección de Cáncer de Mama used to specifically mean 'breast cancer screening exam' or Exploración para la Detección de Cáncer de Mama to mean 'exploration for breast cancer detection'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the term cribado de cáncer de mama is commonly used in medical and public health contexts to refer to a screening program. In Mexico and many other Latin American medical contexts, tamizaje de cáncer de mama is used, where tamizaje serves as a technical synonym for 'screening'.
How do you pronounce it?
/deteɡθjon de kanθeɾ de mama/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using detección de cáncer de seno. Although seno is a synonym for 'breast' and is used in anatomical contexts, mama is the standard and more common term used in this specific phrase.
Did you know?
- The word cáncer comes from the Latin word for 'crab'. This is because the swollen veins around a tumor often resemble the legs of a crab.
- The word cribado used in Spain comes from cribar, which means 'to sift' or 'to sieve'. It treats the screening process as a way of sifting the population to find specific cases.
- In Spanish, mama is the anatomical term used for screening, but the word seno is often used in poetry and literature to evoke a sense of intimacy or modesty.
Examples in context
- Es importante hacerse revisiones regulares de los senos para detectar el cáncer de mama en etapas tempranas.Regular breast cancer screenings are important for early detection.
- La detección de cáncer de mama es fundamental.Breast cancer screening is fundamental.
- La detección de cáncer de mama salva vidas.Breast cancer screening saves lives.
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are talking about health appointments.
- DanielLucía, ¿ya programaste tu detección de cáncer de mama?Lucía, have you already scheduled your breast cancer screening?
- LucíaSí, Daniel, tengo la cita mañana.Yes, Daniel, I have the appointment tomorrow.
- DanielEs bueno que no olvides la detección de cáncer de mama.It is good that you do not forget the breast cancer screening.
- LucíaTienes razón, la prevención es lo primero.You are right, prevention comes first.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cáncer, de, detección, mama, CC BY-SA 4.0.
