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
Nationwide there were 775 new cases of gallbladder cancer in 2012.
Risk of diagnosis before age 75
Men: 1 in 519 
Women: 1 in 476
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 Cancer Council on 13 11 20. Specialist cancer nurses staff the line Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.