precancerous

[pree-kan-ser-uhs]

adjective

1. showing pathological changes that may be preliminary to malignancy.

precancerous

adjective

1. (esp of cells) displaying characteristics that may develop into cancer

Word History and Origins

Origin of precancerous¹

1880–85; pre- ( def. ) + cancerous ( def. )

Example Sentences

The fight Lee is referring to is her diagnosis nine years ago of ductal carcinoma in situ, a precancerous condition that can lead to malignant breast cancer.

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A comprehensive study published in Nature Medicine shows that the test detects significantly more cancers and precancerous stages.

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Colon and rectal cancer rates have risen among younger adults as rates have declined among older people, who are far more likely to get colonoscopies that can catch cancers and precancerous lesions called polyps.

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The biggest issue with the blood tests is that, unlike colonoscopies, they miss most of the precancerous growths on the colon that, if detected and removed, would prevent a person from developing cancer.

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However, an in-person colonoscopy is preferable because it can detect precancerous growths that doctors can remove.

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