Global epidemiological trends and variations in the burden of gallbladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a rare but lethal malignancy with a dismal prognosis. The aim of this study is to analyze the burdens and trends of GBC across the world based on geography, socioeconomic development (based on human development index [HDI]), and gender. METHODS: GLOBOCAN 2020 database was used to extract data (2020-2040) relating to the incidence and mortality of GBC across the world. RESULTS: Asia had the highest burden of GBC with India and China contributing to majority of the absolute burden. The burden of GBC by age standardized rate was highest in Latin America (Bolivia and Chile) and Southeast Asia (Bangladesh and Nepal). Medium HDI countries had a higher mortality rate compared to very high HDI countries. Females had a higher predilection for GBC across different regions and socioeconomic groups. GBC burden is expected to significantly increase across the world by 2040 with variable trends across different regions, age groups, and genders. CONCLUSION: The global burden of GBC will significantly increase over the next two decades with marked regional and demographic variations. The results of this study will empower national and global health leaders to develop policies to address the increasing burden of this lethal malignancy.