The Global Cholangiocarcinoma Alliance (GCA) launches a campaign to encourage earlier diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), also known as bile duct cancer, is a cancer that occurs in bile ducts within or outside the liver. It is the second most common primary liver cancer in the world. Over the last few decades, mortality rates have been increasing worldwide, therefore representing a global health problem.

Early stages of CCA are often asymptomatic or present with common signs and symptoms, such as abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, and fever, which could imply many other diseases. This leads to many patients with CCA often being diagnosed at a later stage, therefore resulting in a poorer prognosis.

Starting on March 7, the Consider Cholangiocarcinoma campaign is hoping to change this by increasing knowledge levels amongst primary care healthcare professionals of the signs and symptoms of CCA. By running a liver function test, they could save lives!

Consider Cholangiocarcinoma will focus on the creation and sharing of two types of resource:

• A primary healthcare professional poster to be shared in professional settings and amongst colleagues to increase knowledge levels and act as a reminder.
• A community poster to be shared with those who are looking for support and to empower patients to ask their doctor to carry out specific tests and checks.

The GCA is asking everyone to get involved with Consider Cholangiocarcinoma by visiting our website to find out more, sharing the posters, and getting involved on social media! #ConsiderCholangiocarcinoma

When speaking about this new approach to raising awareness, Helen Morement, Co-Chair of the GCA, said: “The symptoms of cholangiocarcinoma can be insidious and non-specific, and surgery is currently the only potentially curative treatment. Run a liver function test and refer for urgent assessment. Consider cholangiocarcinoma – early diagnosis is vital!”

Please visit the GCA website to find more information on the campaign, as well as further resources and information to support patients and caregivers in the CCA community worldwide.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch via our social channels or email.

GCA website: www.globalccaalliance.com

GCA Twitter: @CCA_Alliance 

GCA Facebook: @globalCCAalliance

GCA Instagram: @CCA_Alliance 

GCA LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/globalccaalliance/

Email: SESGCA@scientificeducationsupport.com

The GCA is supported by Scientific Education Support (SES) who is the secretariat. SES supports the building of communities and networks to facilitate education through collaboration, ensuring that patients have access to the latest support and treatment options.