Incidence of Gall bladder cancer is on rise in India, contributing to about 10 per cent of global Gall bladder cancer burden. The people in North, North-East, Central, and Eastern parts of the country (the Indo-Gangetic belt) are more likely to experience gallbladder cancer than the South and West due to certain environmental factors.

It is among the top three cancers in women in North and North-East India. According to a paper titled ‘Epidemiology of Gallbladder Cancer in India,’ South Asia accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the people with this type of cancer, making India one of the countries with the highest incidence rates in the world. 

On a global scale, it is a deadly and aggressive cancer. Despite the presumed rarity of gallbladder cancer, there are clear geographic and racial variances. Within India alone, the prevalence and incidence of gallbladder cancer currently differ greatly by region. Mean age of presentation in India is 5th and 6th decade which is younger than their counterparts in USA and Western Europe. 

Gallstones are the main risk factor for gallbladder cancer. Gallbladder stones are thought to be present in 80 per cent to 90 per cent of people with gallbladder cancer, according to estimates. However not everyone with gall stones develops gall bladder cancer. Women are at 2-6 times higher risk than men to develop the disease because of their high level of exposure to estrogen and progesterone during their lifetime. 

Among other factors, females taking birth control pills, those with a strong family history of gall bladder cancer, and those with conditions like Salmonella-typhi carriers are at high risk of developing this cancer. Furthermore, patients who are older, obese, or smokers are at a higher risk of developing gallbladder cancer. 

Most patients are only diagnosed with gallbladder cancer when the disease has progressed to an advanced stage, as the initial symptoms are so vague and non-specific. Patients who have gall bladder cancer can experience pain in the right upper abdomen under the ribs or may feel discomfort. 

Moreover, some individuals exhibit vague, non-specific symptoms like anorexia, weight loss, and jaundice. Health care provider should be alarmed if the patient is having any of the symptoms or has gallstones with additional significant risk factors as they are at risk of gallbladder cancer. 

Individuals who experience signs of gall bladder cancer or who have symptomatic or high-risk gall bladder stones should consult a doctor about having their gallbladders removed as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease can be beneficial for the patient. Surgery is the chosen treatment option as gall bladder cancer advances because the alternative has a very bad prognosis.

Although there are numerous ways to treat gallbladder cancer. The course of treatment is determined by a number of variables, including the kind of disease, its stage, and the patient's overall condition. Surgery, medication, and lifestyle changes are among potential treatment options. 

Having to talk about advanced cancer might be stressful for some people. It's crucial to discuss the feelings, preferences, and worries with the doctor in an open and honest manner. In order to support patients and their families, the doctor has key skills, experience, and expertise. It is crucial to make certain that a person is physically at ease, pain-free, and receiving emotional support.