Radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones and the risk of breast cancer: A multicenter case-control study with an additional suspected comparison group

Authors: Tahmasebi S; Mortazavi SMJ; Pourghayoomi M; Sheikhzadeh P; Welsh JS et al.

Year: November 2025

Category: Epidemiology

Journal: Journal of Research in Medical Sciences

DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_679_25

URL: https://journals.lww.com/jrms/fulltext/2025/11290/radiofrequency_radiation_from_mobile_phones_a nd.63.aspx

Abstract

Background

The rapid global increase in mobile phone use has raised concerns about the potential long-term health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. While most studies have focused on brain tumors, evidence regarding breast cancer remains limited. The objective of the study is to examine the association between mobile phone use and breast cancer risk among women in Iran.

Materials and Methods

  • This multicenter case-control study involved 226 women recruited from diagnostic, mammography, and radiotherapy centers in Iran.
  • Participants were classified as controls (no history of breast cancer, n = 97), suspected cases (advised to undergo mammography due to breast-related complaints or physician recommendation, n = 52), and confirmed cases (histologically verified invasive breast cancer, n = 77).
  • Data on demographics, reproductive and lifestyle factors, and environmental exposures—including mobile phone call duration, screen time, and phone placement—were collected through structured questionnaires.
  • Multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze associations, adjusting for demographic, reproductive, environmental, and lifestyle variables.

Findings

  • Women who reported more than 60 minutes of daily mobile phone conversations had higher odds of confirmed breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 3.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-11.97) and suspected status (OR = 10.84, 95% CI: 2.29-51.41) compared with those using phones less than 10 minutes daily.
  • Additional risk factors associated with increased odds included longer screen time (>4 h/day), later age at menarche, lower education level, and exposure to environmental pollutants.

Conclusion

Prolonged mobile phone use was associated with higher odds of breast cancer, but this does not imply causation. As the study relied on self-reported exposures and may be affected by residual confounding, its findings should be interpreted with caution. Further large-scale prospective studies with objective exposure assessment are warranted.

radiofrequency radiation breast cancer mobile phone use EMF exposure case-control study Iran women's health
← Back to Stats