Origin Of The Word Cancer

Around 400 B.C., Greek physician Hippocrates is credited with naming cancer as "karkinoma" (carcinoma) due to its resemblance to a crab. The Latin and Old English words for cancer also have roots in the word "crab." Many other ancient physicians, including Hippocrates and Galen, also observed the similarities between crabs and tumors.

The word "cancer" has its origins in ancient Greece. Around 400 B.C., the Greek physician Hippocrates gave it the name "karkinoma" (carcinoma) because of its resemblance to a crab. The Latin and Old English words for cancer also have roots in the word "crab." This association between cancer and crabs was noted by many ancient physicians, including Hippocrates and Galen.

Sources

Science Diction: The Origin Of The Word 'Cancer' - NPRCancer History - News MedicalCancer Definition & Meaning - Merriam-WebsterEtymology of the Word Cancer - Crab MuseumAncient Greek and Greco–Roman Methods in Modern Surgical Treatment of Cancer - NCBICancer: A Historic Perspective - SEER Training
Etymology of the Word Cancer — Crab MuseumDid you know? | Did you know the origin of the word #cancer?… | Flickr

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