Use of Mobile and Cordless Phones and the Association with Prostate Cancer

Abstract

Overview

Exposure to radiofrequency (RF) radiation in the frequency range 30 kHz-300 GHz was in 2011 evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) at the World Health Organization (WHO) to be a 'possible' human carcinogen, Group 2B.

• Classification was based on epidemiological results indicating increased risk for glioma and acoustic neuroma.
• Data regarding other cancer types, such as prostate cancer, remain sparse.

Findings

An increased incidence in male rats of proliferative lesions in the prostate gland induced by RF radiation was previously discovered in the US NTP study. This led to investigation of a possible association with prostate cancer in human studies.

• Analysis of data from two previous studies (one on brain tumors and one on prostate cancer) examined the use of mobile and cordless phones.
• Pooled analysis for mobile phone use: OR = 1.8, 95 % CI = 1.01-3.1.
  • Increased to OR = 2.8, 95 % CI = 1.5-5.3 with >10 year latency.
• Cordless phone use: Increased risk observed, but not statistically significant.
• Dose-response analysis for mobile phones:
  • Highest risk for >2,000 hours of use: OR = 2.4, 95 % CI = 1.2-5.1.
• Cordless phones: Highest risk in the 1001-2000 hour group: OR = 2.3, 95 % CI = 1.01-5.4.
  • Lower OR seen for use >2,000 hours (based on low numbers).
• Higher risk observed among patients with more aggressive prostate cancer (based on Gleason score, PSA, and high risk profile).
• Increased risk noted in those with family history (heredity) of prostate cancer.

Conclusion

This research suggests a significant association between prolonged RF radiation exposure from mobile and cordless phone use and increased risk of prostate cancer, particularly among those with longer use, higher duration, or hereditary risk factors.