Factores de riesgo y prevención en cáncer de vesícula

Abstract

Gallbladder cancer is a very rare disease in Europe and North America, reason why there is scarce scientific research about it. At the same time, it is very common throughout the Andean region of South America, especially in Chile which once had the highest incidence and mortality rates in the world. Women account for 75% of patients, with cases being strongly related to long standing cholelithiasis, as well as chronic infection. Gallbladder cancer rarely exists without cholelitiasis. It is also closely associated with obesity and a diet high in fat and sugar. It is more common in some native populations, especially the Mapuche population, frequently associated with a low socioeconomic level and less access to the health system. In Chile, the mortality rate decreased by more than 50% in the last 20 years. Prophylactic cholecystectomy in high-risk population, implemented as a national policy in Chile, is reducing incidence and mortality from this disease which, for a long time, was the leading cause of death by cancer in Chilean women. The objective of this article is to outline the epidemiological history of gallbladder cancer in the world and in Chile as well as describe the risk factors and measures for its prevention.