What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cancerogenic
Example
Exposure to asbestos is known to be cancerogenic. [cancerogenic: adjective]
Example
Smoking is a cancerogenic behavior that can lead to various types of cancer. [cancerogenic: adjective]
oncogenic
Example
The oncogenic mutation in the BRCA gene increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. [oncogenic: adjective]
Example
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an oncogenic virus that can lead to cervical cancer. [oncogenic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cancerogenic is less common and mainly used in scientific or technical contexts, particularly when discussing environmental factors or substances that can cause cancer. On the other hand, oncogenic is more commonly used in medical and scientific literature to describe genetic or viral factors that contribute to cancer development.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cancerogenic and oncogenic?
Both cancerogenic and oncogenic are formal terms used in scientific and medical contexts. However, cancerogenic may be slightly less formal due to its less frequent usage compared to oncogenic.
