May 2010
The world’s largest study to date on mobile phone use and cancer risk, Interphone, has been announced and media have been attempting, with some difficulty, to interpret the significance of the findings.
Overall results of the study, conducted over 12 years in 13 countries, show no link between mobile phones and brain cancer (over the 12 year period).
However, much of the media’s attention has focused on a small subset of heavy mobile phone users who have a glioma (type of brain tumour).
Cancer Council has reviewed the Interphone study and makes the following observations:
- There were no real surprises in this study. It found no evidence that normal use of mobile phones, for a period up to 12 years, can cause brain cancer.
- This is the largest international study to date into mobile phone use. It was conducted across 13 countries including Australia and the results are consistent with other research that has failed to find a link between mobile phones and cancer.
- However, the study found that in a small subset of patients with glioma, their tumour was more likely to be on the same side of the head as the mobile phone was used, where there was excessive use (30mins a day or more). This doesn’t prove a link between brain cancer and mobile phones, however it does point to a need for more investigation of heavy phone use.
- The study involves phone usage for 12 years at most, so it tells us little about risk associated with mobile phone use over decades. In particular, insufficient time has passed since mobile phones were introduced to determine whether or not there is a risk to children. This study will continue to assess use beyond 12 years.
- Until this area has been fully investigated, Cancer Council recommends that if parents remain concerned about possible effects on children - they should minimise their use of mobile phones and encourage hands-free/speaker options, or texting.
- Anyone concerned about the harmful effects of electromagnetic energy should reduce their use of mobile phones, or employ hands-free technology.
Media
Background information