Experts Explain Link Between Obesity And Food As Cause Of Gallbladder Cancer

Hematology and Oncology Specialist Prof. Dr. dr. Ikhwan Rinaldi, SpPD-KHOM, M.Epid, M.Pd.Ked, FACP, FINASIM explained the link between obesity and foods that potentially increase the risk of gallbladder cancer. 

"We're not mentioning (types of) foods. But there's obesity and diabetes. Generally, when we discuss this, people who develop cancer are generally associated with foods that are carcinogenic," said Ikhwan at a media conference in Jakarta on Tuesday. 

Carcinogenic foods are those that contain substances or compounds that can increase the risk of cancer in humans. An example is red meat consumed in large quantities. 

Consuming large amounts of red meat can trigger obesity, which ultimately leads to diabetes mellitus. 

The Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Indonesia has previously stated that diabetes mellitus and obesity can be linked to a significantly increased risk of gallbladder cancer. 

Regarding the spicy foods currently frequently consumed by the public, especially women, he stated that there has been no research directly linking these foods to gallbladder cancer. 

However, the public is urged to exercise caution, as there is a possibility that the spicy foods sold are mixed with other substances that can enhance the flavor, making them even spicier. 

"We don't know what those substances are, but if they're natural, they probably won't be as spicy," he said. 

Furthermore, consuming too much spicy food frequently carries the risk of stomach ulcers. These ulcers are feared to develop into inflammation, which could potentially lead to cancer. 

On that occasion, Ikhwan explained that gallbladder cancer is a group of aggressive tumors that are difficult to diagnose and treat. 

60 to 70 percent of gallbladder cancer patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage that is unresectable or metastatic. 

He continued, explaining that the global incidence of gallbladder cancer is 2.2 per 100,000 in men and 2.4 per 100,000 in women. The incidence of bile duct cancer is less than two per 100,000. 

"Of all gallbladder cancer patients, the five-year survival rate is only around 5 to 15 percent," he said. 

Tag: Gallbladder Cancer Hematology And Oncology