Cell phone use and risk of thyroid cancer: a population-based case-control study in Connecticut

Authors: Luo J, Deziel NC, Huang H, Chen Y, Ni X, Ma S, Udelsman R, Zhang Y

Year: Published online Oct 29, 2018

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Annals of Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2018.10.004

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1047279718302849

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the potential link between cell phone use and the incidence of thyroid cancer in a Connecticut-based population.

Methods

  • A population-based case-control study was conducted between 2010 and 2011.
  • Included 462 histologically confirmed thyroid cancer cases and 498 population-based controls.
  • Analysis employed multivariate unconditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Findings

No direct association was found between overall cell phone use and thyroid cancer (OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.74-1.48). However, specific concerns were raised:

  • Possible increased risk of thyroid microcarcinoma in long-term and frequent cell phone users.
  • Increased risk observed in individuals using cell phones for over 15 years, more than 2 hours per day, those with the most cumulative use hours, and those with the highest number of cumulative calls.

Conclusion

While no significant overall association was found, the potential for an elevated risk of thyroid microcarcinoma linked to extensive cell phone use necessitates further research.

thyroid cancer cell phone use epidemiology public health logistic regression case-control study
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