In recent years, the incidence of bile duct cancer has been on the rise worldwide. Since bile duct cancer is not easy to detect, most patients are often in the middle and late stages of the disease when they are diagnosed and treated. So, what are the risk factors for bile duct cancer? Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and cirrhosis It is widely believed that viral hepatitis B (hepatitis B), viral hepatitis C (hepatitis C) and cirrhosis are important risk factors for bile duct cancer. Studies on risk factors for the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) found that the risk ratios for cirrhosis were 22.92, 4.84 for hepatitis C, and 5.10 for hepatitis B. The release of inflammatory factors during the course of viral hepatitis triggers liver fibrosis while promoting tumor cell proliferation as a possible mechanism. Chronic inflammatory state of bile ducts Chronic inflammatory state of bile ducts caused by diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver fluke infection or bile duct stones is also an important risk factor for bile duct cancer. Primary sclerosing cholangitis is one of the common causes of bile duct cancer in western countries, and about half of the patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis are diagnosed with bile duct cancer within 24 months after diagnosis. The higher incidence of bile duct cancer in Southeast Asia is related to the higher rate of liver fluke infection. Bile duct stones are closely related to the development of ICC, and some patients with intrahepatic bile duct stones can develop into ICC. intra-biliary drainage can cause intestinal bacterial bile duct colonization and infection, which is also a risk factor for bile duct cancer. Congenital malformations of bile-pancreatic duct system and cystic diseases of bile ducts Bile-pancreatic duct malformations, common bile duct cysts, thorium dioxide, human immunodeficiency virus, bile-intestinal drainage, environmental or occupational toxin exposure, diabetes, and obesity are also risk factors that may trigger bile duct cancer. Among them, the development of bile duct cancer in patients with congenital malformation of bile-pancreatic duct system and bile duct cystic disease may be related to chronic inflammation caused by biliary stasis and pancreatic reflux. Doctor’s tip: In addition to the above factors, some studies have shown that long-term smokers and alcohol drinkers have a higher risk of bile duct cancer. The occurrence of bile duct cancer may also be related to the deterioration of occupation and living environment. Therefore, healthy living habits and good living environment will help people prevent bile duct cancer.