What is CCA?
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a cancer of the biliary tract system which passes through the liver.1 It starts in the bile duct, a thin tube, about 4 to 5 inches long, which reaches from the liver to the small intestine. The major function of the bile duct is to move a fluid called bile from the liver and gallbladder to the small intestine, where it helps digest the fats in food.1
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, biliary tract cancers, which include cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder cancers, are the second most common liver cancers with a very low survival rate and few treatment options.2 Most people are diagnosed late with Stage 4 disease when the cancer has already spread making surgery no longer an option. The standard of care chemotherapy may extend a patient’s life, but it can often take a dramatic toll on its quality.2
What are the symptoms?
Since earlier diagnosis is key, here are things to look for:
Pain in the abdomen
Pruritus (itchy skin)
Weight loss and
loss of appetite
Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes)
The Canadian Cholangiocarcinoma Collaborative (C3) is a partnership between people with CCA, their caregivers, clinicians and scientists, working together to improve care across Canada. The C3 is a resource for Canadian information on new and current treatment options and has a national registry for people with biliary tract cancers.3 The C3 is supported by the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.3 If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a biliary tract cancer, the C3 has many resources available to help you navigate this rare cancer. Learn more here: www.cholangio.ca
February 19, 2026, is World Cholangiocarninoma Day (CCA)
World CCA Day raises global awareness of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), a rare and often overlooked cancer with a growing global incidence. On World CCA Day, landmarks all over the world participate in “Light it Green” to stand in solidarity, raise awareness, and bring hope to patients and their families. On February 19, 2026, Canada will shine green! To learn more about the events and how to participate, visit Canada’s “Light it Green” website.
The World CCA Day Icon
This distinctive icon, created for the first World CCA Day in 2016, symbolizes all the organizations around the globe working together for a better future for all with cholangiocarcinoma.
Although World CCA Day is now part of the Global CCA Alliance ,an international organization promoting change, the image is used by all organizations around the world that share the vision of improving prevention, survival and quality of life for cholangiocarcinoma patients.
1. Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation. https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/learn-about-cholangiocarcinoma/, Extracted on November 28th, 2025.
2. Canadian Cancer Society. https://cancer.ca/en/research/for-researchers/funding-results/breakthrough-team-grants/building-a-national-network-for-people-with-biliary-tract-cancers. Extracted on November 28th, 2025.
3. Canadian Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en/research/for-researchers/funding-results/breakthrough-team-grants/building-a-national-network-for-people-with-biliary-tract-cancers , Extracted on November 28th, 2025.
