Cell phones and Brain cancer

back to healthread

One on-going argument is whether cell phones cause brain cancer. The issue got national notice after a study was released in 2001 in the Lancet British Medical Journal. The study, researching diagnosed cases of brain cancer over a period of 10 years, found that those who used cell phones were two and a half times as likely to have a brain tumor on the side where they used their cell phone.

The problem with this study is, since they studied people for 10 years, most of the people in the study had been using analog cell phones (which emit MORE radiation than do digital cell phones) - today most networks are digital. Also did they study anything ELSE about the heavy cell phone users? For example were they more likely or less likely to do daily exercise, a factor which can reduce cancer risk by 40 percent?

In August 2009, a report on cell phones and cancer was released by the International EMF Collaborative entitled "Cellphones and Brain Tumors: 15 Reasons for Concern, Science, Spin and the Truth Behind Interphone".

The report concluded:

  • There is a risk of brain tumors from cellphone use
  • Telecom funded studies underestimate the risk of brain tumors
  • Children have larger risks than adults for brain tumors.

International scientists endorsing the report included Ronald B. Herberman, MD, Director Emeritus, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute; David Carpenter, MD, Director, Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany; Martin Blank, PhD, Associate Professor of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University; Professor Yury Grigoriev, Chairman of Russian National Committee on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection, among others.

This report rated a mention in "Medical News Today", a respected internet Medical newsletter.

Before the two afore mentioned studies, the few studies which had been done on cell phones and brain cancer, had not yielded real conclusive results, one way or the other.

Obviously until the jury is in on this, it might be good to not walk around with a cell phone in your ear all day. Many teens use their cell phones more as mini computers for texting anyway.

Best is to live a healthy lifestyle, eating plenty of veggies and getting your cardio exercise in at least 5 days a week and hope for the best - using your cell phone on the speaker or for texting in moderation.

Some folks feel very strongly on the issue like Dr Mercola:

Dr Mercola's most recent article against cell phones

Evidence that the supplement, coEnzymeQ10 protects against cancer