What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
malignancy
Example
The malignancy of the tumor made it difficult to treat. [malignancy: noun]
Example
The doctor was concerned about the malignancy of the cells in the biopsy. [malignancy: adjective]
cancer
Example
She was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. [cancer: noun]
Example
The cancerous cells had spread to other parts of his body. [cancerous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cancer is a more common term than malignancy and is widely used in everyday language. Malignancy is less common and is typically used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between malignancy and cancer?
Malignancy is a more formal term than cancer and is often used in medical or technical contexts. Cancer is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
