Gallbladder

The gallbladder stores bile from the liver before it is passed into the small bowel where it helps to digest food.

The main type of gallbladder cancer is adenocarcinoma which arises from glandular cells in the gallbladder lining. Other very rare cell types include: squamous, adenosquamous, small cell and sarcoma.

Incidence & Mortality

There were 180 new cases and 153 deaths from gallbladder cancer in Victoria in 2010.

Risk of being diagnosed to the age 75 years

• Men: 1 in 795
• Women: 1 in 447

Causes/Risk Factors

The causes of gallbladder cancer are not fully understood. Some risk factors include:

• Personal history of gall stones, gallbladder polyps or inflammation of the bile ducts. A family history of gallbladder cancer
• Smoking
• Obesity

If the information on this website raises any questions or concerns relating to your cancer, please call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.