cáncer
/ˈkanθeɾ/masculine
The Spanish word for cancer is cáncer. Wiktionary also lists cangro.
Meaning: disease of uncontrolled cellular proliferation (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cáncer | /ˈkanθeɾ/ /ˈkanseɾ/ |
masculine |
| cangro | /kanɡɾo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
The word cáncer refers to the disease of uncontrolled cellular proliferation. When you want to specify the type of cancer by naming an organ, you should use the preposition de followed by that organ, such as cáncer de pulmón for lung cancer.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine and is used with the masculine definite article el (el cáncer).
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈkanθeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget the accent on the first syllable. Ensure the stress is placed on the á in cáncer.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of cáncer was used by ancient physicians because the swollen veins around a tumor looked like the legs of a 'crab'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, people may use the phrase un mal or 'a bad thing' to refer to cancer euphemistically to avoid the harshness of the word cáncer.
- The Spanish word for the zodiac sign 'Cancer' is also Cáncer, spelled and accented exactly like the disease.
Examples in context
- Ella murió de cáncer.She died of cancer.This sentence shows how to express dying from a cause using cáncer.Tatoeba #865679 by Shishir, translation #310707 by CH
- Tiene cáncer de útero.She has uterine cancer.This sentence demonstrates how to specify the type of cancer using cáncer.Tatoeba #5017406 by don_ramon, translation #7803162 by sharris123
- Tiene cáncer de pulmón.He's got lung cancer.Tatoeba #541893 by Shishir, translation #302428 by CK
- El tratamiento del cáncer ha avanzado significativamente en los últimos años.Cancer treatment has advanced significantly in recent years.
- 103 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about a medical report at home.
- Elena¿El médico confirmó si es cáncer?Did the doctor confirm if it is cancer?
- MateoSí, Elena, el informe dice que es cáncer.Yes, Elena, the report says it is cancer.
- ElenaLo siento mucho, Mateo.I am so sorry, Mateo.
- MateoGracias, es una noticia muy difícil.Thank you, it is very difficult news.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cancer” translations and entries cáncer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
