Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common malignancy of the biliary system in clinic, which has the characteristics of insidious onset and high degree of malignancy. Most patients have progressed to an advanced stage when they are diagnosed. Early identification of risk factors of the onset of gallbladder cancer and active intervention are the key to improve the rate of early diagnosis and prognosis of gallbladder cancer. At present, the risk factors related to the onset of gallbladder cancer include gallstone, gallbladder polyps, primary sclerosing cholangitis, etc. In this review, we discuss the relevant latest research on the risk factors of the onset of gallbladder cancer in order to provide clinical evidence for the prevention and early diagnosis of gallbladder cancer. The intervention, follow-up, and monitoring of risk factors should be strengthened, and the possibility of malignancy of the gallbladder should be accurately assessed in combination with factors such as age and sex. In the case of possible malignancy, prophylactic cholecystectomy should be actively performed.