Gall bladder Cancer : Risk factors

The following factors can raise a person's risk of developing gallbladder cancer:

• Gallstones. Between 75% and 90% of people with gallbladder cancer have a history of gallstones. However, less than 1% of people with gallstones develop gallbladder cancer. It is unknown why some people develop cancer while most with gallstone disease do not.
• Gallbladder polyps. Polyps bulge inward from the inner gallbladder wall. Some polyps may also be caused by inflammation. Gallbladder removal is recommended for people who have polyps larger than 1 centimeter because these are more likely to be cancerous.
• Age. Most people diagnosed with gallbladder cancer are older than 70.
• Gender. Women are about twice as likely to develop gallbladder cancer as men.
• Ethnicity.
• Smoking.
• Family history. A family history of gallbladder cancer slightly increases a person’s risk of developing gallbladder cancer.