Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer usually develops because of a mix of things over time. Having a risk factor does not mean someone will get cancer.

Things that can increase risk include:

• Older age
• Being female
• Family history (a close relative with gallbladder cancer)
• Gallstones or long-term inflammation of the gallbladder
• Gallbladder polyps (small growths)
• Some bile duct conditions
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Overweight and obesity

Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will develop cancer.

Lowering your risk over time

You can’t always prevent gallbladder cancer, but healthy changes may lower risk: aiming for a healthy weight, stopping smoking, and keeping alcohol within safer limits.

You don’t need to panic, just notice what’s normal for you. Here are some things to look out for:

• A change in how often you poo such as, going more often, less often, or feeling different for a few weeks

• Poo that looks different for example, looser, harder, thinner, or not what’s usual for you

• Blood in your poo or on the toilet paper

• Feeling like you haven’t finished even after going to the toilet

• Tummy pain or bloating that doesn’t go away

• Feeling very tired, more than usual, for no clear reason

• Losing weight without trying

When to get advice

Speak to your GP practice if you have ongoing tummy pain (often on the right), feeling sick, a swollen tummy, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss.

Tests and next steps for gallbladder cancer - NHS

For more information you can visit any of the links below.