Cellular Telephone Use and the Risk of Brain Tumors: Update of the UK Million Women Study

Authors: Joachim Schüz, Kirstin Pirie, Gillian K Reeves, Sarah Floud, Valerie Beral, for the Million Women Study Collaborators

Year: 2022

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: JNCI: Journal of the National Cancer Institute

DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djac042

URL: https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djac042

Abstract

Overview

In a comprehensive investigation by a long-term prospective study, researchers sought to better understand the relationship between cellular telephone usage and the occurrence of brain tumors, especially in the context of advancements in wireless technologies such as the introduction of 5G.

Study Population

  • A total of 1.3 million women born between 1935-1950 were recruited between 1996 and 2001.
  • Participants were followed up through links to National Health Services databases, which keep records of deaths and cancer registrations.

Findings

During the 14 years of follow-up involving 776,156 women who filled the 2001 questionnaire, 3,268 brain tumors were registered:

  • The study calculated adjusted relative risks for various conditions of cellular telephone use in comparison to non-use situations:
  • Overall brain tumors: a relative risk of 0.97, indiciating no significant risk elevation.
  • Glioma (specifically): a relative risk of 0.89, suggesting a potentially lower risk but within the margin of error that does not strictly prove protective effects.
  • Tumor risks in regions of the brain most likely to be exposed to radiofrequency fields from cell phones (temporal and parietal lobes) also did not show increased risks, with relative risks slightly under 1.0.

Conclusion

The study results support a growing body of evidence that implies usual cellular phone usage does not elevate the risk of brain tumors. However, continued research and monitoring are crucial given the evolving nature of technology and its widespread use. Importantly, possible subtle risks associated particularly with long-term exposure or vulnerable groups require more detailed and specific studies.

cellular telephones brain tumors epidemiology radiofrequency electromagnetic fields glioma health risks
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