Japanese Cancer Terminology: Linguistic and Medical Distinctions

• April 27, 2016
• Reading time: 1 minute

During medical coordination work, patients and families often notice Japanese medical literature uses two distinct written forms for cancer: 癌 (kanji) and がん (hiragana). What is the difference?

Terminological Distinction

癌 (Kanji form "Gan"): Refers specifically to malignant neoplasms of epithelial origin in respiratory and gastrointestinal systems:

• Lung cancer (肺癌)
• Gastric cancer (胃癌)
• Breast cancer (乳癌)

がん (Hiragana form "Gan"): Encompasses all malignant neoplasms without anatomical restriction, serving as the broader cancer category term.

Clinical Application

While both terms refer to malignant disease, Japanese medical professionals often employ these distinctions to differentiate epithelial carcinomas from other neoplastic categories, though usage varies among institutions and individual physicians.

For International Patients

Understanding these terminological nuances helps patients navigate Japanese medical documentation and specialist consultation, particularly when reviewing diagnostic reports and treatment recommendations from Japanese medical centers.

Medical Supporter was formerly certified as an international medical visa guarantor by Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (B-066).

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