Gallbladder cancer is a rare epithelial malignancy of the biliary tract, representing less than 1% of all cancers in Singapore. Risk factors include gallstones (found in over 75% of cases), chronic inflammation, gallbladder polyps, female sex, and older age. Understanding these survival rates and their determinants is vital for improving early detection and patient outcomes.
Factors Affecting Survival
There are various factors affecting gallbladder cancer survival rates. These include the following:
- Stage of CancerGallbladder cancer staging reflects the tumour size, extent of invasion, lymph node involvement, and distant spread, guiding gallbladder cancer prognosis and treatment planning.
- Stage 0–I (Carcinoma in Situ): About 69% of patients survive at least 5 years.
- Stage II–III (Regional Spread): When the cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or organs, the 5-year survival rate drops to around 28%.
- Stage IV (Advanced/Metastatic): Survival is poor, with only about 3% living beyond 5 years. Median survival is often less than 6 months.
- AgeYounger patients generally have better gallbladder cancer survival rates. As age increases, outcomes tend to worsen—especially in those over 75. This group not only has a higher risk of developing gallbladder cancer, but they also face greater challenges in recovery and treatment tolerance.
- GenderGallbladder cancer tends to occur more frequently in women, largely because higher oestrogen levels increase the risk of developing gallstones—a key risk factor. Women also face slightly higher mortality rates compared to men.
- Overall Health ConditionPatients in better general health are often able to tolerate more aggressive treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, leading to improved outcomes. Conversely, pre-existing conditions or poor overall health can limit treatment options and increase the risk of complications, thus negatively affecting survival rates. For example:
- Diabetes increases the risk of death from gallbladder cancer.
- Liver-related diseases can make treatments harder to tolerate and reduce survival chances.
- Response to TreatmentPatients whose cancer responds well to therapies like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation tend to have better outcomes and longer survival times.
- Surgery: Complete resection offers the best survival, with a median survival of around 5 years, while incomplete resections have much shorter survival, often less than 3 months.
- Chemotherapy: This approach typically results in 5–8 months of progression-free survival and 10–12 months of overall survival.
- Radiation Therapy: Usually given after surgery to target any remaining cancer. It can improve survival, especially when the surgery does not completely remove the tumour.
- Biologics: These newer therapies are being used in combination with chemotherapy. While results vary, they have shown promise in slowing disease progression and offering improved long-term survival for select patients with advanced or metastatic cancer. Ongoing clinical trials continue to explore their potential.
Is Gallbladder Cancer Curable?
Gallbladder cancer is potentially curable when detected early. Unfortunately, the lack of routine screening and the absence of early symptoms mean most cases are diagnosed at later stages (regional or metastatic), where cure rates drop below 30%.
At our clinic, we offer targeted diagnostic evaluations to help identify cancer in high‑risk individuals sooner. If you have risk factors such as gallstones, chronic inflammation, or a family history, consult our gallbladder cancer doctor for personalised testing and treatment planning that maximises your chance for a cure. Call us at (65) 6235 4088 to book an appointment.