Mobile Phones And Brain Tumours: What Science Really Says

Do mobile phones cause brain tumors? Here's what major studies reveal. Explore the science, risks, and expert-backed precautions this World Brain Tumour Day.

Can your phone cause a brain tumour? Here’s what science really says and how to stay safe.

Source : Canva

{By: Dr. Yawar Shoaib Ali}

The question of whether mobile phones cause brain tumours has sparked intense debate and public concern for decades. With billions of users worldwide constantly holding devices near their heads, understanding the science is crucial. So, what does the evidence actually tell us?

The Core Concern: Radiation

Mobile phones emit low-level radiofrequency (RF) radiation, a type of non-ionising electromagnetic radiation. This is fundamentally different from the high-energy, DNA-damaging ionising radiation (like X-rays or gamma rays) known to cause cancer. RF radiation's primary biological effect is heating tissue – the principle behind microwave ovens, but at vastly lower power levels emitted by phones.

What Major Studies Show: Mostly Reassuring

The largest and most rigorous epidemiological studies to date offer significant reassurance:

1. Interphone Study (2010): This massive, 13-country study coordinated by the WHO found no overall increased risk of gliomas or meningiomas (common brain tumours) among regular mobile phone users. While it hinted at a possible increased risk for the heaviest users (top 10%), methodological limitations like recall bias (people misremembering usage) and selection bias cast doubt on this finding. Critics also questioned potential industry influence.

2. Danish Cohort Study: Tracking over 350,000 mobile phone users over decades found no link between long-term mobile phone subscription (used as a proxy for use) and increased rates of brain tumours.

3. UK Million Women Study (2022): Followed over 700,000 Women and found no association between regular mobile phone use and the risk of glioma, meningioma, acoustic neuroma, or eye tumours.

No Need for Alarm, But Here's How To Be Cautious

Based on the current, extensive body of scientific evidence, there is no conclusive proof that mobile phone use causes brain tumours in the general population. The overwhelming consensus is that if any risk exists, it is likely very small. However, given the IARC's 2B classification and the desire for absolute certainty, adopting simple precautions like using speakerphone, headsets, or texting when possible, or limiting very long calls, is a reasonable approach for those concerned. The science, reassuring thus far, continues to evolve as usage patterns change and long-term data accumulates. Research is ongoing especially as technologies like 5G evolve and long-term data accumulates.

The author, Dr. Yawar Shoaib Ali, is the Associate Director - Neurosurgery, at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]