Epidemiología del cáncer biliar en Chile. Análisis preliminar

Abstract

1. Biliary cancer in Chile shows an actual, important and steady increase in the last 15 years (1970-1984), reaching a mortality rate of 8.l per 100.000 habitants. The increase would be based on gallbladder cancer rather than extra-hepatic biliary tract cancer.
2. Four elements seem to play a role in this biliary cancer increase:
— decrease of cholecistectomies in relation with needs and population,
— increased prevalence of gallstones,
— high level of typhoid fever,
— aging of population.
3. The key decision in prevention of biliary cancer should be the excission of every gallbladder with gallstones, particularly in high-risk groups: people aged over 50 years, women and typhoid carriers.