Biliary tract cancers, which include malignancies of the bile ducts and gallbladder, are rare but aggressive diseases often diagnosed at an advanced stage—either locally advanced or metastatic. In the US, approximately 8,000 cases of bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma) and 4,700 cases of gallbladder cancer are diagnosed each year. Patients with biliary tract cancers face numerous challenges throughout their care journey, including delays in diagnosis, limited access to specialized care, and difficulties navigating the complexities of the health care system. These challenges are often compounded by the impact of social determinants of health.
Sources: American Cancer Society, World Cancer Research Fund