Temporal & spatial patterns of Glioblastoma Multiforme & other brain cancer subtypes in relation to mobile phones using synthetic counterfactuals

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates if the occurrences of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and other brain cancers in various regions and across several age groups correlate with mobile phone usage. Utilizing data from England between 1985 and 2005, the research applies Bayesian structural time series to create counterfactual trends for 2006-2014.

Findings

• Comparative analysis indicates an increase in GBM cases particularly in the temporal and frontal lobes, and the cerebellum.
• Excess cases in these areas correlate with the expected influence of mobile phone radiofrequency (RF) exposure.
• Major increases are noted in older populations, especially those aged 75 and older, suggesting lesser likelihood of a causal relationship with mobile phone use.
• Younger groups (<24 years) also showed an increase, adding complexity to the mobile phone use impact theory.

Conclusion

While mobile phone usage was initially considered a potential factor due to its alignment with cancer increases location-wise, age-specific analysis suggests alternative factors could also be relevant. Despite this, the possibility of mobile phone radiation contributing to cancer risk cannot be completely excluded, necessitating ongoing research and monitoring of trends.