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Biliary tract cancer
1Research Institute, Aichi Cancer Center, Nagoya, Japan.
Cancer Surveys
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Biliary tract cancer (BTC) risk varies globally, with unknown environmental or genetic factors suspected. Further research is crucial to understand BTC causes and prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Public Health
Background:
- Biliary tract cancer (BTC) exhibits significant geographical and ethnic variations in incidence and mortality.
- Trends in BTC mortality show increases in some nations while declining in others, particularly among females.
- The etiology of BTC remains largely unclear, with suspected environmental and genetic risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the epidemiology of biliary tract cancer.
- To identify potential risk factors and etiological hypotheses for BTC.
- To highlight the need for further research into BTC aetiology and prevention.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological literature on biliary tract cancer.
- Analysis of geographical variations and time trends in BTC incidence and mortality.
- Identification of suspected risk factors based on current research.
Main Results:
- Biliary tract cancer is rare globally but common in specific regions and ethnic groups.
- Age-adjusted mortality rates for BTC are increasing in some countries (e.g., Japan, Italy) and decreasing in others (e.g., USA, Canada).
- Gallstones are a known risk factor, with other suspected factors including obesity, hormonal influences, industrial exposures, and genetic predisposition.
Conclusions:
- The geographical and temporal variations in BTC incidence and mortality are not fully understood.
- Unknown environmental factors and genetic susceptibility are implicated in BTC aetiology.
- Further epidemiological studies are essential to elucidate BTC causes and develop effective prevention measures.