Who is at highest risk for Gallbladder cancer ?
There are some factors that may increase the chance of acquiring gallbladder cancer. These risk factors include:
Gallstones: This is the most common risk factor for gallbladder cancer. It is estimated that about 75% and 90% of people with gallbladder cancer have a history of gallstones. Gallstones are the most common digestive disease in the United States, but only a small proportion of people develop gallbladder cancer.
Gallbladder polyps: Gallbladder polyp is caused by small gallstones or cholecystitis. Because gallbladder polyps larger than 10 millimeters are likely to develop into cancer, surgeons often recommend removing the gallbladder.
Family history. People with family history of gallbladder cancer have a higher probability of developing gallbladder cancer.
Ethnicity: Epidemiology data demonstrates that Mexican Americans and Native Americans, particularly in the southwestern United States, are more likely to develop gallbladder cancer than the general population.
Age: Clinical data shows most people with gallbladder cancer are older than 70.
Gender: Epidemiology data shows women are about twice as likely to develop gallbladder cancer as men.
Smoking: Smoking may increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. </s>