das  Krebsrisiko

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Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈkʁɛpsʁɪziko/

🧬 What exactly is 'das Krebsrisiko'?

Das Krebsrisiko means the probability or extent of danger of developing cancer during one's lifetime. It's a compound noun formed from:

• der Krebs: the cancer (disease)
• das Risiko: the risk, the probability of a negative event

So, it describes the danger (Risiko) of getting cancer (Krebs). Since 'Risiko' is neuter (das Risiko), 'Krebsrisiko' is also neuter.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: das Krebsrisiko

The word 'Krebsrisiko' is a neuter noun (Neutrum). It is mostly used in the singular because it describes an abstract concept. The plural ('die Krebsrisiken') is possible but rare, typically referring to risks for different types of cancer or in different populations.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural - rare

📝 Example Sentences

1. Rauchen erhöht das Krebsrisiko erheblich.
   (Smoking significantly increases the cancer risk.)
2. Der Arzt sprach mit ihm über sein persönliches Krebsrisiko.
   (The doctor talked to him about his personal cancer risk.)
3. Eine gesunde Ernährung kann zur Senkung des Krebsrisikos beitragen.
   (A healthy diet can contribute to lowering the cancer risk.)
4. Man untersuchte die verschiedenen Krebsrisiken in der betroffenen Region (Plural, rare).
   (They investigated the various cancer risks in the affected region.)

🗣️ How to use 'Krebsrisiko'?

The term 'Krebsrisiko' is mainly used in *medical and health contexts*. It frequently appears in:

• Health reporting: In articles, news, and studies about cancer research and prevention.
• Doctor-patient conversations: When doctors inform patients about individual risk factors.
• Prevention campaigns: To highlight avoidable risks (e.g., smoking, unhealthy diet, lack of exercise).
• Scientific discussions: In epidemiology and oncology to describe disease probabilities in populations.

Typical collocations include:

• ein hohes/niedriges/erhöhtes/reduziertes Krebsrisiko (a high/low/increased/reduced cancer risk)
• das Krebsrisiko senken/mindern/erhöhen/steigern (to lower/reduce/increase/raise the cancer risk)
• das individuelle/persönliche/allgemeine Krebsrisiko (the individual/personal/general cancer risk)
• Faktoren, die das Krebsrisiko beeinflussen (factors that influence the cancer risk)

⚠️ It's important to distinguish between a Risikofaktor (risk factor, e.g., smoking) and das Krebsrisiko (the probability itself).

💡 Mnemonics to Remember

For the article (das): Think of das Ri-si-ko. The word 'Risiko' itself is neuter (das Risiko), and it determines the gender of the compound noun. Therefore, it's das Krebsrisiko.

For the meaning: Imagine scales. On one side, you have 'Krebs' (cancer), and on the other, the 'Gefahr' or 'Risiko' (danger/risk). Das Krebsrisiko is the weight of that danger.

🔄 Similar and Opposing Terms

Related Terms

• Risikofaktor: A risk factor; a circumstance that increases the cancer risk (e.g., smoking, genetics). Not the same as the risk itself!
• Prognose: Prognosis; prediction of the course of the disease after cancer has been diagnosed.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum nehmen Statistiker ungern den Aufzug?
Wegen des hohen Risikos... für Fehlinterpretationen auf verschiedenen Ebenen!

Why do statisticians dislike taking the elevator?
Because of the high risk... of misinterpretations on different levels!

(Okay, the joke is about risk in general, but fits the theme.)

📜 A Reflective Poem

Das Wort klingt schwer, man hört es oft,
Das Krebsrisiko, unverhofft.
Mal hoch, mal niedrig, schwer zu fassen,
Man kann's beeinflussen, nicht nur lassen.
Gesundheit pflegen, klug entscheiden,
Um dieses Risiko zu meiden.

The word sounds heavy, often heard,
The cancer risk, an unexpected word.
Sometimes high, sometimes low, hard to grasp,
One can influence it, not just let it pass.
Nurture health, decide with wit,
To avoid this risk, bit by bit.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich bin keine Krankheit, doch eng mit ihr verbunden.
Ich messe eine Chance in düsteren Stunden.
Lebensstil und Gene, sie formen mein Gesicht.
Ärzte sprechen über mich, ich bin kein kleines Licht.

Was bin ich?

I am not a disease, but closely tied to one.
I measure a chance when dark hours have begun.
Lifestyle and genes, they shape my face anew.
Doctors talk about me, I'm important, it is true.

What am I?

Solution: Das Krebsrisiko (The cancer risk)

🧩 Further Insights

Word Composition (Kompositum):

The word 'Krebsrisiko' is a typical example of a German compound noun (Kompositum). It is composed of:

• Bestimmungswort (Determinant): Krebs (specifies the type of risk)
• Grundwort (Base word): Risiko (determines the gender of the entire word)

The base word 'Risiko' determines the article of the compound noun. Since it's 'das Risiko', it's also 'das Krebsrisiko'.

Societal Relevance: The term holds significant societal importance as cancer is a widespread fear and one of the leading causes of death in many countries. Understanding one's own cancer risk and influencing factors is central to preventive healthcare.