February 17, 2025
Cancer is often a word that stops people in their tracks. It’s a diagnosis that changes lives, uproots futures, and forces difficult conversations. But not all cancers are widely understood, and biliary tract cancers (BTCs)—a group of aggressive malignancies affecting the bile ducts and gallbladder—are among the least talked about, yet some of the most devastating.
For those with BRCA2 or PMS2 genetic mutations, this risk may be silently lurking within their DNA, making awareness and early detection critical. These cancers are not just medical conditions; they are life-altering battles that impact entire families, taking loved ones away far too soon.
For me, this is deeply personal. While I am in recovery from Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), the fight isn’t over. It’s never really over. Because of my BRCA2 and PMS2 gene mutations, I now have to stay vigilant for cancers like biliary tract cancers as well. I fought like hell to overcome TNBC, and just as I begin to heal, I have to brace myself for the next battle—one that may never come, but one I have to prepare for nonetheless.
The weight of that reality is crushing. Sigh. Get through one thing, only to continue fighting another. But I remind myself: We deserve to live. We deserve to thrive, to experience joy, to not have to live in fear of what might be lurking in our bodies. That’s why we have to talk about this, because awareness is a weapon, and it can save lives.
A Silent Disease with Devastating Consequences
Biliary tract cancers—intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancers) and gallbladder adenocarcinoma—often remain undetected until they reach advanced stages. Because symptoms like jaundice, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain can mimic other conditions, many people receive a diagnosis when their options are already limited.
With an average five-year survival rate of less than 20%, BTCs demand more awareness, more research, and better access to preventive care and genetic testing—especially for those at higher risk due to hereditary factors.
The Connection to BRCA2 and PMS2 Mutations
For individuals carrying BRCA2 or PMS2 mutations, the risk of BTCs may be significantly higher than the general population.
- BRCA2 Mutation: Long associated with breast and ovarian cancer, BRCA2 mutations have now been identified in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder adenocarcinoma (PMID: 3584349).
- PMS2 Mutation: As part of Lynch syndrome, PMS2 mutations increase the risk of several cancers, including intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (PMID: 30380287).
For people like me, this means that cancer is always on my mind. Even though I beat one form, I can never stop watching for others. This is why early detection, advocacy, and education are so important.
A Disease That Knows No Boundaries—But Unequal Access to Care
Despite affecting people of all backgrounds, BTCs disproportionately impact underserved and underrepresented communities.
- Limited Access to Genetic Testing: Many families, particularly in Black and Hispanic communities, lack the resources or knowledge to seek genetic screening, missing opportunities for early intervention.
- Late-Stage Diagnosis: Without regular screenings and specialist referrals, BTCs are often diagnosed too late for effective treatment.
- Disparities in Treatment: Underrepresented groups are less likely to receive aggressive treatment or access to clinical trials, which could offer life-saving options.
Organizations like Duke Cancer Institute’s Office of Health Equity (dukecancerinstitute.org) are working to change this by bringing education, research, and outreach to communities that need it most.
But the fight doesn’t stop with institutions—it starts with awareness, with real stories of those who have faced BTCs head-on.
The Faces Behind the Diagnosis: Stories That Deserve to Be Heard
Cancer is relentless, but so is the human spirit. Some battles happen in the spotlight, while others unfold away from public eyes. Each of these stories is a reminder of why awareness, research, and advocacy matter.
Randy Moss: An Unexpected Battle
NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss stunned fans in December 2024 when he revealed he was battling bile duct cancer. He had undergone a Whipple procedure, a high-risk surgery that removes parts of the pancreas, small intestine, gallbladder, and bile duct. Known for his strength on the field, Moss now faces a different kind of fight—one that requires just as much endurance and resilience.
“I’ve been in the hospital for six days… this battle is far from over, but I’m taking it one step at a time,” Moss shared with fans (pagesix.com).
Stephen Gould: A Voice Silenced Too Soon
Renowned opera singer Stephen Gould passed away in 2023 at just 61, following a bile duct cancer diagnosis. His story underscores how BTCs can claim lives even among those with access to world-class healthcare (people.com).
Ned Eisenberg: A Double Diagnosis
Best known for his work on Law & Order: SVU, Ned Eisenberg battled both cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma before his passing in 2022. His family chose to speak out, bringing awareness to these rare and often overlooked cancers (moffitt.org).
These stories remind us that cancer does not discriminate—but access to care does.
How You Can Take Action
This February, let’s use National Cancer Prevention Month to make sure biliary tract cancers are not forgotten.
Know Your Risk: If you have a family history of cancer or genetic mutations like BRCA2 or PMS2, talk to a doctor about screening.
Advocate for Access: Support efforts to bring genetic testing and clinical trials to underserved communities.
Raise Awareness: Share this article, these stories, and these resources.
We Deserve to Live.
I refuse to let cancer steal another moment from me, my family, or my community.
We deserve to live without fear. We deserve better access to care, screenings, and treatment. We deserve a future where cancer isn’t something we just “hope” to survive—but something we can prevent and detect early.
Educate yourself. Support those in this fight. Because every voice in this conversation matters.
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