Cankering: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term 'canker' comes from the Old English 'cancer' meaning a sore or ulcer.
• The Latin root 'cancer' translates to 'crab,' which historically referred to the way a sore might spread.
• This word is often associated with deterioration and decay, emphasizing a negative impact.

Health

• Cankers can be caused by factors like stress, nutrient deficiencies, or certain allergies.
• They are not contagious, meaning you can't catch them from someone else.
• Most people experience them at least once in their life, especially during teenage years.

Literature

• Cankering imagery often appears in literature to symbolize disease or decline, reflecting decay in society or relationships.
• Shakespeare used 'canker' in his works to describe corruption or moral decay in characters.
• In poetry, cankering is associated with the pain of unrequited love or emotional anguish.

Cultural Significance

• In some cultures, cankering sores are seen as a sign of bad luck or poor health practices.
• Folklore sometimes attributes cankers to curses or witchcraft in historical contexts.
• Treatment methods have evolved from herbal remedies in ancient times to modern medications.