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A2 noun 10 min de lecture

cancro

Exemples cancro en 30 secondes
Explication cancro in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'cancro' is the word for 'cancer' in Portugal. You might see it on news headlines or in very basic health warnings. It is a masculine noun: 'o cancro'. You don't need to know technical details, just that it is a serious illness. Example: 'O cancro é uma doença' (Cancer is a disease). At this stage, focus on the pronunciation, which has a nasal 'a'. This is one of those words that sounds very different from its English counterpart despite looking similar, so listen carefully to the 'an' sound. You should also be aware that in Brazil, the word is different ('câncer'), which is helpful if you travel between the two regions.
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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'cancro' in simple sentences about health and lifestyle. You can talk about prevention, such as 'Não fumar ajuda a prevenir o cancro' (Not smoking helps prevent cancer). You should know how to specify common types of cancer using the 'cancro de + [organ]' structure, like 'cancro da pele' (skin cancer). You might also encounter the word when talking about your family history or general news. At this level, you start to see the word as part of common phrases like 'luta contra o cancro' (fight against cancer). You should also recognize it as a zodiac sign in horoscopes, which is a fun way to practice reading.
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand more complex discussions about 'cancro'. You should be able to follow a news report about a new treatment or a documentary about a survivor. You will learn related vocabulary like 'cura' (cure), 'tratamento' (treatment), 'quimioterapia' (chemotherapy), and 'radioterapia' (radiotherapy). You can express opinions or feelings about the disease, such as 'É importante apoiar quem tem cancro' (It is important to support those who have cancer). You will also notice the metaphorical use of the word in political or social contexts to describe something very bad that needs to be removed, like corruption or poverty.
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At the B2 level, you can engage in detailed conversations about the healthcare system and how it handles 'cancro'. You will understand the nuance between 'cancro' and 'neoplasia' or 'tumor'. You can read articles about scientific research and clinical trials. You should be comfortable using the word in formal writing, following all grammar rules regarding gender and pluralization. You will also understand the cultural sensitivity surrounding the word in Portugal, where it is sometimes avoided in favor of euphemisms in polite company. You can discuss the social impact of the disease, including the work of NGOs like the 'Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro'.
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At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'cancro' and its various registers. You can read complex medical literature or legal documents related to health insurance and cancer coverage. You understand the historical etymology of the word and how it has evolved in the Portuguese language. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors and understand its use in high-level literature. You are also fully aware of the regional differences and can switch between 'cancro' and 'câncer' depending on your audience without any hesitation. You can debate the ethics of cancer research and the distribution of healthcare resources.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'cancro' is equivalent to a native speaker. You understand the most subtle connotations and can use the word in any context, from a highly technical medical conference to a poetic piece of writing. You can analyze the use of 'cancro' in Portuguese literature and how it reflects societal fears and attitudes toward mortality. You can navigate the most sensitive conversations with grace, knowing exactly when to use the word and when to use a euphemism. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the difficult nasal vowels and the tapped 'r', and you can identify regional accents based on how they pronounce this specific word.
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Exemples

cancro en 30 secondes

  • Cancro is the European Portuguese word for cancer, a serious medical condition involving abnormal cell growth.
  • It is a masculine noun ('o cancro') and is also used for the zodiac sign Cancer in Portugal.
  • The word is distinct from the Brazilian Portuguese 'câncer', making it a key regional identifier.
  • It can be used metaphorically to describe a destructive force within society, such as corruption.

The word cancro is the standard term used in European Portuguese (Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, etc.) to describe the medical condition known in English as cancer. It refers to a broad group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. In the linguistic landscape of the Lusophone world, the distinction between cancro and the Brazilian term câncer is one of the most prominent lexical differences between the two main variants of the language. While a person in Lisbon will always say 'cancro', a person in Rio de Janeiro will always say 'câncer'.

Medical Context
In a clinical setting, doctors use the word to classify various types of malignant neoplasms. It is often followed by the specific organ affected, such as 'cancro do pulmão' (lung cancer) or 'cancro da mama' (breast cancer).

A detecção precoce do cancro aumenta significativamente as hipóteses de cura.

Beyond the purely biological definition, cancro is frequently used metaphorically in social and political discourse. It describes something that is perceived as an evil, destructive force that spreads through a system, such as 'o cancro da corrupção' (the cancer of corruption). In this sense, it implies a deep-rooted problem that requires drastic measures to eradicate. It is also the name of the fourth sign of the Zodiac in Portugal, corresponding to the English 'Cancer' (though 'Caranguejo' is also used to refer to the crab symbol itself).

Zodiac Usage
When referring to astrology, the word is capitalized: 'Eu sou do signo de Cancro'. It covers those born between June 21 and July 22.

Muitas instituições em Portugal dedicam-se à investigação do cancro.

Social Register
The word carries significant emotional weight. In casual conversation, people might use euphemisms like 'aquela doença' (that disease) or 'uma doença prolongada' (a prolonged illness) to avoid the harshness of the word 'cancro'.

O meu avô superou um cancro de pele no ano passado.

O tabaco é a principal causa de cancro do pulmão.

In summary, 'cancro' is a versatile and heavy word. It spans from the highly technical vocabulary of oncology to the mystical realm of astrology and the critical realm of social commentary. Understanding its usage requires sensitivity to the context and the regional variant of Portuguese you are speaking.

Using 'cancro' correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties as a masculine noun and its common prepositional pairings. In Portuguese, nouns designating diseases are typically preceded by the definite article 'o' or 'a'. For 'cancro', we use 'o' (o cancro). When specifying the type of cancer, we use the preposition 'de' followed by the definite article corresponding to the organ or body part. For example, 'o cancro do pâncreas' (the cancer of the pancreas) or 'o cancro da próstata' (the cancer of the prostate).

Specifying Types
Use 'de' + [Article] + [Organ]. Example: 'O cancro do cólon' (Colon cancer).

Ela está a fazer quimioterapia para tratar o cancro.

When discussing the 'fight against' or 'treatment for' cancer, certain verbs and prepositions are standard. You 'luta contra o cancro' (fight against cancer) and 'trata o cancro' (treat cancer). If you are referring to someone having cancer, the verb 'ter' (to have) is most common: 'Ele tem cancro'. Note that in this general sense, the article 'o' is often omitted after the verb 'ter', similar to how we say 'ter febre' (to have a fever).

Verbal Collocations
Ter cancro (to have cancer), vencer o cancro (to beat cancer), diagnosticar um cancro (to diagnose a cancer).

O cancro não é uma sentença de morte hoje em dia.

In formal writing, especially in medical journals or news reports, you will see 'cancro' accompanied by adjectives like 'maligno' (malignant) or 'metastizado' (metastatic). It is also common to see the phrase 'doença oncológica' (oncological disease) used as a more formal synonym to avoid repetition of the word 'cancro'.

Adjective Agreement
Since 'cancro' is masculine, adjectives must agree: 'cancro invasivo', 'cancro agressivo'.

A ciência fez grandes progressos na cura do cancro.

O meu signo é Cancro, por isso sou muito emotivo.

By mastering these patterns—article usage, prepositional phrases for body parts, and common verbal collocations—you will be able to discuss this sensitive topic with the appropriate level of accuracy and respect in Portuguese.

You will encounter the word cancro in a variety of real-world settings in Portugal and other non-Brazilian Portuguese-speaking regions. One of the most common places is in the mass media. News broadcasts frequently report on medical breakthroughs, government health initiatives, or public health statistics. You will hear phrases like 'rastreio do cancro' (cancer screening) during national awareness months. For example, 'Outubro Rosa' (Pink October) is a major event in Portugal focused on 'cancro da mama'.

In the Media
News reports: 'O governo anunciou novos fundos para o combate ao cancro'.

Ouvi no telejornal que o cancro da pele está a aumentar.

In a medical or hospital setting, the word is used with clinical precision. You will see it on signage in hospitals (e.g., 'Unidade de Cancro'), on brochures for patients, and in consultations. Portuguese healthcare professionals are generally direct but compassionate, and they will use 'cancro' when discussing a diagnosis, though they may also use the more technical 'neoplasia' or 'tumor maligno'.

At the Hospital
Signage: 'Centro de Investigação de Cancro'. Consultations: 'O resultado da biópsia confirmou o cancro'.

Fiz um donativo para a Liga Portuguesa Contra o cancro.

In everyday life, unfortunately, the word is heard when people discuss the health of friends or family. Because of its severity, it is often spoken with a lowered voice or a somber tone. You might also hear it in academic settings, particularly in biology or medicine classes at universities like the University of Coimbra or the University of Lisbon, where students study the cellular mechanisms of the disease.

Academic/Scientific
Lectures: 'A genética desempenha um papel crucial no desenvolvimento do cancro'.

Na faculdade, estudamos as mutações que levam ao cancro.

O horóscopo diz que hoje é um bom dia para quem é de Cancro.

Whether in a serious news segment, a medical consultation, or a casual conversation about the stars, 'cancro' is a word that appears across the spectrum of Portuguese life, carrying with it the specific linguistic identity of the European variant.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make when learning Portuguese is using the Brazilian term 'câncer' when they are in Portugal, or vice versa. While both words are technically understood across the Lusophone world thanks to the internet and soap operas (telenovelas), using the 'wrong' one will immediately mark you as a foreigner or as someone who has learned the other dialect. In Portugal, 'câncer' sounds Brazilian; in Brazil, 'cancro' sounds archaic or European.

Regional Confusion
Mistake: Using 'câncer' in Lisbon. Correct: 'cancro'.

Não diga 'câncer' em Portugal; diga cancro.

Another common error involves gender. Many English speakers assume that abstract or medical terms might be feminine (ending in -o but being exceptions, or confusing it with 'doença' which is feminine). However, 'cancro' is strictly masculine. You must say 'o cancro', 'um cancro', 'este cancro'. Using the feminine article 'a' is a grammatical error that will confuse listeners.

Gender Error
Mistake: 'A cancro'. Correct: 'O cancro'.

O tratamento para o cancro (masculino) é muito caro.

Pronunciation is another hurdle. English speakers often try to pronounce the 'a' like the 'a' in 'cat' or 'father'. In Portuguese, the 'a' before an 'n' is nasal and closed [ɐ̃]. It sounds more like the 'u' in 'butter' but spoken through the nose. Failing to nasalize the vowel makes the word sound like 'cakro', which is incomprehensible. Furthermore, the 'r' is a tapped 'r' (like the 'tt' in 'better' in some American accents), not the English 'r'.

Pronunciation Pitfall
Mistake: Pronouncing it like 'can-crow'. Correct: 'kuh-n-kroo' (with a nasal 'uh').

A pronúncia correta de cancro requer a nasalização do 'a'.

Devemos ter cuidado ao usar a palavra cancro em contextos sociais.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 'cancro' (the disease) with 'caranguejo' (the animal). While 'Cancro' is the name of the zodiac sign, if you are at a seafood restaurant, you must order 'caranguejo'. Ordering a 'cancro' would be very confusing and slightly morbid!

In Portuguese, as in English, there are several ways to refer to cancer depending on the level of formality and the specific medical context. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different social and professional situations. The most common synonym is neoplasia, which is the technical medical term for any new and abnormal growth of tissue. While 'cancro' specifically implies malignancy, 'neoplasia' can be 'benigna' or 'maligna'.

Cancro vs. Neoplasia
'Cancro' is the common name for malignant disease; 'Neoplasia' is the clinical term used by doctors in reports.

O médico falou de uma neoplasia, mas confirmou que era um cancro.

Another frequently used word is tumor. It is important to note that not all tumors are cancers. A 'tumor' is simply a swelling or a mass. In Portuguese, you will hear 'tumor benigno' (benign tumor) and 'tumor maligno' (malignant tumor). The latter is synonymous with 'cancro'. In casual conversation, people often use 'tumor' as a slightly less frightening alternative to the word 'cancro'.

Cancro vs. Tumor
'Cancro' is always malignant; 'Tumor' can be benign or malignant. 'Tumor' is often used to soften the blow of a diagnosis.

Ele trabalha na ala de oncologia, tratando doentes com cancro.

For the zodiac sign, the alternative is Caranguejo. While 'Cancro' is the official name of the constellation and the sign in the Portuguese astrological tradition, many people refer to the sign by the name of its symbol, the crab. You will see both in horoscopes, but 'Cancro' is more traditional for the sign itself.

Cancro vs. Caranguejo
'Cancro' is the sign; 'Caranguejo' is the crab. Both can be used to describe someone born under the sign.

Ela é Cancro, mas prefere dizer que é Caranguejo.

A pobreza é um flagelo, tal como o cancro é para o corpo.

By knowing these synonyms and nuances, you can choose the word that best fits the context, whether you are reading a medical report, talking to a friend, or checking your daily horoscope.

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Exemples par niveau

1

O cancro é uma doença grave.

Cancer is a serious disease.

Masculine noun with definite article 'o'.

2

Ele tem cancro.

He has cancer.

The article is omitted after 'ter' in a general sense.

3

O meu signo é Cancro.

My zodiac sign is Cancer.

Capitalized when referring to the zodiac.

4

O cancro é mau.

Cancer is bad.

Simple subject-verb-adjective structure.

5

Ela estuda o cancro.

She studies cancer.

Direct object with 'o'.

6

Não quero ter cancro.

I don't want to have cancer.

Negative structure with 'querer'.

7

O cancro dá medo.

Cancer gives fear (is scary).

Idiomatic use of 'dar' for emotions.

8

O doutor trata o cancro.

The doctor treats cancer.

Standard SVO sentence.

1

O cancro da pele é perigoso.

Skin cancer is dangerous.

Prepositional phrase 'da pele' specifies the type.

2

Fumar causa cancro do pulmão.

Smoking causes lung cancer.

Verb 'causar' followed by the noun.

3

Ela venceu o cancro há dois anos.

She beat cancer two years ago.

Past tense of 'vencer'.

4

Existem muitos tipos de cancro.

There are many types of cancer.

'Tipos de' followed by the noun.

5

O rastreio do cancro é importante.

Cancer screening is important.

Compound noun phrase 'rastreio do cancro'.

6

Eles fazem uma caminhada contra o cancro.

They are doing a walk against cancer.

Preposition 'contra' indicates opposition/cause.

7

O meu avô teve um cancro no estômago.

My grandfather had stomach cancer.

Indefinite article 'um' used for a specific instance.

8

A alimentação ajuda a prevenir o cancro.

Diet helps to prevent cancer.

Infinitive 'prevenir' with direct object.

1

A investigação sobre o cancro progrediu muito.

Research on cancer has progressed a lot.

Preposition 'sobre' meaning 'about/on'.

2

O diagnóstico de cancro foi um choque.

The cancer diagnosis was a shock.

Noun-noun connection with 'de'.

3

Muitas pessoas sobrevivem ao cancro hoje em dia.

Many people survive cancer nowadays.

Verb 'sobreviver' takes the preposition 'a' (a + o = ao).

4

O cancro da mama é o mais comum entre as mulheres.

Breast cancer is the most common among women.

Superlative 'o mais comum'.

5

Precisamos de mais fundos para combater o cancro.

We need more funds to fight cancer.

Infinitive 'combater' used for the fight against disease.

6

O cancro não deve ser um tabu na sociedade.

Cancer should not be a taboo in society.

Passive-like structure with 'ser'.

7

A quimioterapia é um tratamento comum para o cancro.

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for cancer.

Preposition 'para' indicating purpose/target.

8

Ele escreveu um livro sobre a sua luta contra o cancro.

He wrote a book about his fight against cancer.

Possessive 'sua' modifying 'luta'.

1

A deteção precoce é a chave para curar o cancro.

Early detection is the key to curing cancer.

Abstract noun 'deteção' with adjective 'precoce'.

2

O cancro metastizado é mais difícil de tratar.

Metastatic cancer is harder to treat.

Past participle 'metastizado' used as an adjective.

3

Novas terapias estão a revolucionar o tratamento do cancro.

New therapies are revolutionizing cancer treatment.

Present continuous 'estão a revolucionar'.

4

O cancro da próstata afeta muitos homens idosos.

Prostate cancer affects many elderly men.

Verb 'afetar' with direct object.

5

A poluição pode aumentar o risco de cancro.

Pollution can increase the risk of cancer.

Modal verb 'pode' indicating possibility.

6

O apoio psicológico é vital para doentes com cancro.

Psychological support is vital for cancer patients.

Adjective 'vital' for emphasis.

7

A Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro faz um trabalho excelente.

The Portuguese League Against Cancer does excellent work.

Proper noun phrase.

8

O cancro colorretal pode ser prevenido com exames regulares.

Colorectal cancer can be prevented with regular exams.

Passive voice 'pode ser prevenido'.

1

A incidência de cancro tem vindo a aumentar na Europa.

The incidence of cancer has been increasing in Europe.

Present perfect continuous 'tem vindo a aumentar'.

2

O cancro é frequentemente usado como metáfora para o declínio social.

Cancer is frequently used as a metaphor for social decline.

Adverb 'frequentemente' modifying the passive verb.

3

A imunoterapia representa uma nova esperança no combate ao cancro.

Immunotherapy represents a new hope in the fight against cancer.

Noun 'combate' followed by 'ao' (a + o).

4

O estigma associado ao cancro está a diminuir gradualmente.

The stigma associated with cancer is gradually decreasing.

Past participle 'associado' with 'ao'.

5

A genética molecular permitiu identificar vários genes do cancro.

Molecular genetics allowed the identification of several cancer genes.

Compound noun 'genética molecular'.

6

O cancro é uma patologia complexa com múltiplas etiologias.

Cancer is a complex pathology with multiple etiologies.

Technical vocabulary: 'patologia', 'etiologias'.

7

As disparidades no acesso ao tratamento do cancro são preocupantes.

Disparities in access to cancer treatment are worrying.

Plural subject 'as disparidades' with plural verb 'são'.

8

O cancro exige uma abordagem multidisciplinar por parte dos médicos.

Cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach from doctors.

Phrase 'por parte de' meaning 'from/on the part of'.

1

A oncogénese é o processo pelo qual as células normais se transformam em cancro.

Oncogenesis is the process by which normal cells transform into cancer.

Technical term 'oncogénese' and relative clause 'pelo qual'.

2

A retórica política muitas vezes descreve a corrupção como o cancro da democracia.

Political rhetoric often describes corruption as the cancer of democracy.

Metaphorical usage in high-register prose.

3

O cancro, na sua essência, é uma falha nos mecanismos de regulação celular.

Cancer, in its essence, is a failure in cellular regulation mechanisms.

Parenthetical phrase 'na sua essência'.

4

A literatura contemporânea explora a angústia existencial perante o cancro.

Contemporary literature explores the existential anguish in the face of cancer.

Abstract vocabulary: 'angústia existencial'.

5

A gestão da dor em doentes com cancro terminal é um desafio ético.

Pain management in terminal cancer patients is an ethical challenge.

Compound noun 'gestão da dor'.

6

O cancro do pâncreas permanece um dos mais letais devido à sua natureza assintomática.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal due to its asymptomatic nature.

Adjective 'assintomática' agreeing with 'natureza'.

7

A biópsia líquida é uma técnica inovadora para monitorizar o cancro.

Liquid biopsy is an innovative technique for monitoring cancer.

Scientific term 'biópsia líquida'.

8

A resiliência dos sobreviventes de cancro é uma fonte de inspiração.

The resilience of cancer survivors is a source of inspiration.

Abstract noun 'resiliência' as the subject.

Collocations courantes

Cancro da mama
Cancro do pulmão
Luta contra o cancro
Sobrevivente de cancro
Tratamento do cancro
Cancro da pele
Diagnosticar um cancro
Células de cancro
Cancro da próstata
Rastreio do cancro

Phrases Courantes

Ter cancro

— To have the disease.

Infelizmente, ele tem cancro.

Vencer o cancro

— To recover from cancer.

Muitas pessoas conseguem vencer o cancro.

O cancro da...

— Used metaphorically for a social problem.

O cancro da corrupção destrói o país.

Signo de Cancro

— The zodiac sign Cancer.

Quem nasce em julho é do signo de Cancro.

Combate ao cancro

— The effort to stop or treat cancer.

O governo investe no combate ao cancro.

Cancro hereditário

— Cancer passed through genes.

Alguns tipos de cancro são hereditários.

Morrer de cancro

— To die from the disease.

O cantor morreu de cancro no ano passado.

Sintomas de cancro

— Signs that one might have cancer.

Esteja atento aos sintomas de cancro.

Ala de cancro

— The cancer ward in a hospital.

Ela trabalha na ala de cancro do hospital.

Fazer cancro

— To cause cancer (less common, usually 'causar').

Dizem que o sol forte pode fazer cancro.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Ser um cancro"

— To be something very destructive or harmful to a group or society.

Aquele funcionário é um cancro para a equipa.

Informal/Negative
"Alimentar o cancro"

— To make a bad situation worse, often metaphorically.

Ignorar o problema só serve para alimentar o cancro.

Metaphorical
"Cortar o cancro pela raiz"

— To solve a problem completely by removing its core cause.

Temos de cortar o cancro da fraude pela raiz.

Idiomatic
"Espalhar-se como um cancro"

— To spread quickly and uncontrollably (usually a bad thing).

As notícias falsas espalham-se como um cancro.

Simile
"O cancro da alma"

— Deep emotional or spiritual suffering.

O ódio é o cancro da alma.

Poetic
"Viver com o cancro"

— To manage life while having the disease, often used to show resilience.

Ela aprendeu a viver com o cancro com muita dignidade.

Standard
"Cancro social"

— A widespread problem in society.

O desemprego juvenil é um cancro social.

Formal/Political
"Roer como um cancro"

— To slowly destroy something from the inside.

A inveja rói como um cancro.

Literary
"Um cancro incurável"

— A problem that cannot be fixed.

Esta dívida tornou-se um cancro incurável.

Metaphorical
"O signo do caranguejo"
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