Reviewed by Eugene Huang, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Wheelhouse
Awareness about different types of cancer can help people ask questions about their genetic history and change their lifestyle to improve their overall health. Cancer can start and then spread just about anywhere in the body. This is also true for the gallbladder, although it’s a rare form of cancer.
Gallbladder cancer is often reported along with nearby bile ducts. The American Cancer Society estimates 12,220 new cases of cancer of the gallbladder and nearby large bile ducts in the United States in 2023 with 4 in 10 of those cases being gallbladder cancers.
What is the gallbladder and what does it do?
The gallbladder is an organ located on the right side of the abdomen. The gallbladder stores bile created by the liver. It releases this bile when the intestines digest fatty foods to help break down those elements.
Although helpful for digestion, the gallbladder is not essential for life. The gallbladder can be removed for several reasons and it will not interfere with life.
What are the warning signs of gallbladder cancer?
According to Oncolink, there are no specific signs for this cancer. Symptoms could look just like having gallstones:
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Not feeling hungry.
- Nausea and upset stomach.
- Losing weight.
Is gallbladder cancer preventable?
Gallbladder cancer is rare, but prevention may lie in maintaining overall health. Click here for tips on cancer prevention and a downloadable sheet to print at your office or home!
What screenings are available to help find gallbladder cancer early?
Currently, there are no cancer screenings to detect this kind of cancer. Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter for new developments in science and technology.
What if I am diagnosed with gallbladder cancer?
Follow through with the tests your provider orders and stay the course through treatment. Having cancer is scary, but you can be in charge of your medical journey, and you shouldn’t have to walk this road alone.
Wheelhouse members should call 1-833-864-0911 to begin using their cancer benefits immediately. Whether it’s a cancer scare or a confirmed diagnosis, you have a compassionate team of experts ready to help with insurance benefits advocacy, cancer-specific mental & emotional health coaching, and cancer nurse navigation.
Not a Wheelhouse member? Here are some options:
- Explore the resources Wheelhouse offers cancer patients from diagnosis through survivorship on our website.
- Contact us at wheelhousecares.com/contact to see what’s available for you.
- Share with your employer’s HR team how Wheelhouse cancer benefits could impact your cancer journey. We work side-by-side with employers to offer these benefits, often making Wheelhouse support available at no additional cost for employees.
