Abstract

Overview

Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy worldwide. In the contemporary era, smartphones have become integral to daily life, altering human lifestyles substantially. Prior to this study, no research had explored the potential link between smartphone usage and the risk of developing breast cancer.

Introduction

This case-control study was designed specifically to investigate the relationship between smartphone use and the risk of breast cancer among Taiwanese women.

Materials and Methods

• The study enlisted 894 healthy controls alongside 211 breast cancer patients.
• Data were collected via standard questionnaires covering sleep quality, smartphone addiction, and usage patterns.

Findings

• A notably higher risk (1.43 times) of breast cancer was observed in participants with smartphone addiction.
• Excessive smartphone use, especially >4.5 minutes before bedtime, was associated with a significantly elevated risk (5.27 times) of breast cancer.
• Maintaining a close distance between the smartphone and the breasts during use raised the risk by 1.59 times.
• Carrying a smartphone near the chest or waist-abdomen area increased the risk by 5.03-fold and 4.06-fold, respectively.
• A synergistic effect was noted between smartphone addiction and extensive use before bedtime, further elevating the risk.

Conclusion

Excessive use of smartphones significantly escalates the risk of breast cancer, highlighting considerable health concerns, particularly for those exhibiting addictive behavior and specific usage habits.