India, Dec. 8 -- Gallbladder cancer is affecting thousands, especially women, in India's Gangetic belt.

It is driven by environmental pollution and socio-economic factors.

Despite its prevalence, it remains neglected by policymakers.

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is silently claiming thousands of lives across India's Gangetic plains, yet it remains absent from the country's public health agenda. Despite being among the top five cancers in northern states, GBC has never been treated as a national priority by policymakers, insurers or even most cancer registries.

India accounts for nearly 10 per cent of the global burden, with the highest concentration along the Gangetic belt, particularly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam.

Wom...