Ten years of mobile phone use shows no brain cancer link

Aug 30 2005

According to researchers in the UK, there is no link between mobile phone use and brain cancer.

Their research found that even after ten years of consistent use of a mobile phone, results showed no increased risk of a tumour in the nerve connecting the ear to the brain.

But the scientists say however, after conducting the largest study so far on the subject, that they can not rule out a higher risk over a longer period.

Whether these results will abate public concern over a possible link is unclear.

Anthony Swerdlow of the Institute of Cancer Research says their study results suggest there is no substantial risk in the first decade after starting use, but whether there are longer-term risks remains unknown, as this is a relatively recent technology.

The study focused on the risk of acoustic neuroma, benign tumours which grow in the nerve connecting the ear and inner ear to the brain, close to where handsets are held.

Although the scientists consider the acoustic neuroma to be a prime candidate to be affected, the research also investigated the possible association of other kinds of brain tumours with mobile phones.

Apparently previous independent studies have shown that the electromagnetic radiation from mobile phone may have some effect on the human body, such as heating up the brain and causing headaches and nausea.

However no study that could be independently repeated has proved mobile phones have permanent harmful effects and the mobile phone industry argues there is no conclusive evidence that electromagnetic radiation causes harm.

It is estimated that as many as 780 million mobile phones will be sold this year, and nearly 2 billion people around the world use one.

The institute's analysis looked at studies conducted in Britain, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, countries which experienced the early introduction of mobile phones.

Julie Sharp of the UK charity Cancer Research, has welcomed the findings, but says the continued monitoring of mobile users in coming years is important, as the invention is relatively new.

The study is published in the British Journal of Cancer.