Abstract

Overview

This study evaluated the trends in mobile phone subscriptions and brain cancer incidence in Korea, using data spanning from 1984 to 2017. The focus was on understanding how the increasing number of mobile phone users correlates with the prevalence and type of brain cancers over time.

Findings

• Glioma Incidence: The study observed a significant increase in the incidence of gliomas, particularly glioblastomas, with the highest annual standardized incidence rates (ASR) for frontal lobe involvement.
• Age Impact: Increases in glioma types were more significant in individuals aged 60 years and older.
• Gender Differences: Both genders experienced increased rates of high-grade glioma, but no conclusive association between mobile phone use and brain cancer incidence was established.

Conclusion

The research underscores the critical need for long-term studies to explore the potential latency period of brain cancer. Moreover, while the increased incidence of specific brain cancer types was noted, the study found no direct correlation between mobile phone subscribers and overall brain cancer incidence in Korea. Given these findings, rigorous and prolonged research initiatives are necessary to understand EMF impacts fully.