Trends in brain cancers (glioma) in New Zealand from 1995 to 2020, with reference to mobile phone use

Authors: J Mark Elwood, Shwe Sin Win, Phyu Sin Aye, Masoumeh Sanagou

Year: 2022 Aug 9

Category: Cancer Epidemiology

Journal: Cancer Epidemiol

DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2022.102234

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35961280/

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the trends in glioma incidences in New Zealand over a period from 1995 to 2020, emphasizing its correlation with mobile phone usage.

Background

  • Previous case-control studies implied a substantial increase in glioma risks associated with prolonged mobile phone usage.

Methods

  • Analyzing glioma incidence by age, sex, and location recorded by New Zealand's national cancer registry.
  • Examination of mobile phone usage trends based on surveys.

Findings

  • Statistics: A total of 6677 glioma cases were registered with age-standardized rates of 6.04 in males and 3.95 in females per 100,000.
  • Phone Usage: Rapid increase from 1990, reaching over 50% by around 2000 and nearly universal by 2006.
  • Glioma Incidence: Overall decrease in the 10-69 age group over the 25-year period, despite universal phone usage.
  • Elderly Rates: Increased rates in individuals aged 80 and above, likely due to enhanced diagnostic methods rather than mobile phone use.

Conclusion

No evidence supports increased glioma risks associated with mobile phone usage, paralleling findings in Australia and other nations. Increased incidence in those over 80 aligns with global trends and improved diagnostics.

glioma brain cancer mobile phone use electromagnetic fields cancer trends health risks New Zealand
← Back to Stats