Has a new study found conclusive evidence linking long-term mobile phone use to brain tumours?

By October 31, 2024 Health, Technology

We came across a post on X claiming that a new study conclusively links long-term mobile phone use to malignant brain tumours on the side of the head where phones are held.

The post references an article by The People’s Voice (TPV), a website known for promoting conspiracy theories and frequently publishing misleading information with a “fact-checked” label to boost credibility.

Fears surrounding mobile phone usage

Tumours are solid masses of tissue that form when abnormal cells group together in the body. They can be benign (noncancerous and generally not life-threatening) or malignant (cancerous and requiring medical intervention).

The fear that mobile phones might cause cancer has been a longstanding concern, further amplified by evolving technology. Recently, Black Dot Research fact-checked a claim that AirPods emit harmful radiation, concluding that there was insufficient evidence to confirm significant health risks from their radiation levels.

Mobile phones use radiofrequency waves (RF waves), a form of non-ionising, low-level radiation, to send signals to and receive signals from nearby cell towers. While this type of radiation is generally considered safe, some public concern remains about the potential cumulative effects from prolonged exposure, especially when phones are frequently held close to the head. Although current research shows little evidence linking this form of radiation to cancer, ongoing public concern continues to drive calls for further investigation and regulation.

 

Reviewing The People’s Voice’s claims

The TPV article discusses a recent South Korean study, published on 10 October 2024, that allegedly links mobile phone radiation to increased brain cancer risk.

The authors of the study reviewed 24 research articles on radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) (i.e. the transfer of energy by radio waves) from mobile devices, specifically investigating how long-term and “ipsilateral” use (holding the phone on the same side of the head) might influence cancer rates. With mobile phones increasingly essential for social media, streaming, and communication, the researchers aimed to better understand the potential health risks posed by changing usage patterns.

Their findings suggest a potential association between extended mobile phone use and an increased risk of certain brain tumors, particularly gliomas, which are cancerous. For example, there was a 32% higher odds of developing glioma for users with over a decade of mobile phone use, compared to non-users. They stressed the need for further research to examine potential biological mechanisms and verify these observations over time.

TPV asserts that these findings contradict a recent systematic review conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This extensive review considered over 5000 studies, ultimately including 63 published between 1994 and 2022 in its final analysis. The review found no clear connection between mobile phone use and brain cancer, despite the rising prevalence of mobile phone usage over the years.

Focusing on cancers of the central nervous system, salivary gland tumours, and brain tumours, the WHO review concluded that there is no overall association between mobile phone use and cancer. Additionally, it found no correlation with prolonged usage—specifically among individuals who have used their mobile phones for 10 years or more—nor any relationship between the volume of phone use, including the number of calls made or the time spent on the phone.

A second part of the study is expected to examine the incidence of cancers less commonly associated with mobile phone use, such as leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Looking at the wider body of research

As both the South Korean and WHO studies present seemingly contradictory results, we decided to identify potential reasons for this discrepancy.

One of the key factors where both studies differ is their selection of data. While the WHO study evaluated various types of mobile phone use, including the use of more modern functions like messaging, the South Korean focused on “ipsilateral” use, where mobile phones are held predominantly on one side of the head, concentrating on cases with high cumulative exposure over time. Consequently, the South Korean study’s more selective criteria may explain why it found a significant association in a specific subset of users, while the WHO’s comprehensive approach did not.

According to Associate Professor Ken Karipidis, the lead author of the WHO study, the association between mobile phones and cancer emerged from early studies that examined two groups: individuals with brain tumours and those without. Researchers gathered data by asking participants about their exposure history. However, this study design can lead to biased results. Karipidis explains that while the group without tumours generally provides reliable information, individuals with tumours may be prone to overreporting their mobile phone exposure.

Additionally, the South Korean study’s focus on ipsilateral use and long-term exposure provides a narrower view of mobile phone risks, which can heighten findings related to heavy users but might not reflect risks among typical users. On the other hand, the WHO review, with its broader scope aimed to provide an overarching assessment of mobile phone use and brain cancer risks across the general population.

Another significant finding is the scientific consensus that the exact cause of brain tumours remains unclear. Reputable medical sources, such as John Hopkins Medicine, as well as local health institutions, like Gleneagles, explain that tumours may develop when abnormal cells grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a mass or growth.

With the extensive data reviewed by WHO, other medical professionals concur that the WHO study is comprehensive and involved a careful evaluation of multiple research studies. However, the findings from the South Korean study bring attention to the potential risks associated with specific usage patterns such as long-term one-sided phone usage. Both studies underscore the need for a nuanced, evolving examination of mobile phone health impacts to ensure ongoing public safety.

Therefore, the claim that a new study has found conclusive evidence linking mobile phone use and brain cancer is misleading. Rather, the main cause of brain cancer remains unproven, and there is not enough evidence to substantiate the claim.

While new studies may emerge that challenge prevailing beliefs, it is crucial to assess their accuracy and legitimacy, especially if they are the only available or accessible resources. Consequently, it is important to review the broader body of scientific literature to determine whether a claim or supposed scientific discovery is legitimate.

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