Mobile Phone Use and Time Trend of Brain Cancer Incidence Rate in Korea

Abstract

Overview

This study assessed both the subscription rates of mobile phones across different network generations and the incidence of various types of brain cancer in Korea. The period analyzed spanned several decades, using comprehensive national registries for health and technology.

Findings

• Data Collection: Included data from the Information Technology Statistics of Korea (1984–2017) and the Korea Central Cancer Registry (1999–2017).
• Methodology: The study employed Joinpoint regression analysis to estimate the average annual percent change in brain cancer cases.
• Cancer Trends: A significant rise in the age-standardized incidence rates (ASR) of glioma and glioblastoma was observed, particularly in older adults (≥60 years), with the highest rates seen in the frontal lobe.
• Statistical Outcomes: The gliomas of unspecified grade showed a significant yearly increase by 7.8% in their ASR, whereas unspecified topology and histology saw a decrease.
• Mobile Phone Use: No direct association was detected between the number of mobile phone subscribers and the incidence of brain cancer in this dataset.

Conclusion

The findings highlight the temporal increase in certain types of brain cancers but could not verifiably link this to mobile phone usage. The study suggests that long-term research, considering the latency period of brain cancer, is crucial to further explore these associations.