8. Environmental Factors: The World Around You Matters
The environment you live in can have a significant influence on your gallbladder cancer prognosis. Studies have shown that people living in industrial areas with high levels of pollution may have a less favorable prognosis. It’s a subject of ongoing research, but early findings suggest that prolonged exposure to certain chemicals can not only trigger gallbladder cancer but also make it more resistant to treatment.
Pollution is not the only environmental factor to consider. Geographical differences also play a role. For instance, gallbladder cancer is more prevalent in certain parts of the world, like Chile and Northern India, where environmental factors such as contaminated water may contribute to more aggressive forms of the disease.
Diet, a significant part of your environment, also impacts prognosis. A diet high in processed foods and low in fruits and vegetables can lead to a less favorable outcome. Some studies have even looked into the potential of natural compounds in foods like turmeric or green tea to improve prognosis, although the evidence remains anecdotal.(8)