Anticancer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
anticancer
[หรฆntiหkรฆnsษr ]
Definition
medical treatment
Anticancer refers to agents, substances, or treatments that are used to prevent, inhibit, or treat cancer. These can include medications, therapies, and lifestyle choices that contribute to reducing the risk of cancer development or progression. Anticancer drugs, for instance, work by targeting cancer cells to destroy them or slow their growth while sparing healthy cells as much as possible. Research in anticancer treatments is a significant field in medicine, leading to the development of various therapies, including chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Synonyms
anticancer treatment, cancer-fighting, tumor-inhibiting.
Examples of usage
- Anticancer properties of certain foods are being studied.
- She is undergoing anticancer therapy.
- Anticancer medications have varying side effects.
- Scientists are discovering new anticancer drug compounds.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- Certain foods, like broccoli and berries, contain compounds that have been shown to slow down the growth of cancer cells.
- Regular physical activity not only boosts the immune system but also reduces certain cancer risks by helping maintain a healthy weight.
- Research has shown that antioxidants, found in various fruits and vegetables, can help neutralize harmful free radicals that may lead to cancer.
Medicine
- Many anticancer therapies, like chemotherapy, focus on targeting rapidly dividing cells, which is a characteristic of cancer.
- Immunotherapy, a promising new approach, uses the bodyโs own immune system to fight cancer more effectively than traditional methods.
Public Health
- Health campaigns often promote knowledge about the importance of early detection and regular screenings to catch cancer early.
- Vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, are designed to prevent certain types of cancer by protecting against viruses that can cause them.
Lifestyle
- A balanced diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, along with reduced consumption of processed foods, can be beneficial in cancer prevention.
- Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol intake are key lifestyle changes that significantly lower the risk of developing various cancers.
Origin of 'anticancer'
Main points about word origin
- 'Anti-' comes from Greek, meaning โagainst,โ while 'cancer' comes from Latin, deriving from the Greek word for crab, which was used to describe tumors.
- The term 'anticancer' merges these roots to imply battling against the crab-like growths in the body.
The term 'anticancer' is a compound word formed by combining the prefix 'anti-' which means against, with the word 'cancer'. The prefix 'anti-' is of Greek origin, derived from 'anti', meaning 'against' or 'opposite'. The word 'cancer' comes from the Latin 'cancer', which means 'crab', a reference to how the disease spreads in a crab-like manner by invading surrounding tissues. The earliest known use of the term dates back to the 20th century, as medical science began to advance and understand the nature of cancer and its treatments. This period saw a surge in research dedicated to finding ways to combat cancer effectively, leading to various forms of anticancer treatments and therapies that we recognize today.