WHO review confirms brain cancer risk is not linked to cell phone use

According to a new analysis of the available published evidence worldwide that was commissioned by the World Health Organization, there is no connection between the usage of mobile phones and an increased risk of developing brain cancer.

The findings of this comprehensive review come at a time when global mobile phone usage has reached unprecedented levels. As of 2024, it is estimated that over 7 billion people worldwide use mobile phones, with smartphones accounting for the majority of these devices. This widespread adoption of mobile technology has naturally led to increased concerns about potential health risks, making this WHO-commissioned study particularly relevant and timely.

The review, which was released on Tuesday, came to the conclusion that there has not been a comparable increase in the incidence of brain malignancies, despite the enormous increase in the usage of wireless technology. This is true even for individuals who engage in lengthy phone conversations or for those who have been using mobile phones for more than ten years.

The final study consisted of 63 investigations that were conducted between the years 1994 and 2022. These studies were evaluated by 11 researchers from ten different countries, one of which was the radiation protection authority of the Australian government.

The research team employed rigorous methodologies to ensure the validity and reliability of their findings. They utilized advanced statistical techniques to analyze the data from the 63 studies, including meta-analyses and systematic reviews. This approach allowed them to identify and account for potential biases or inconsistencies across different studies, thereby strengthening the overall conclusions of the review.

Co-author Mark Elwood, who is a professor of cancer epidemiology at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, stated that the study evaluated the consequences of radiofrequency, which is utilized in mobile phones in addition to television, baby monitors, and radar.

"Not a single one of the major questions that were investigated revealed any increased risks," he stated. This review examined tumors of the brain in both adults and children, as well as cancers of the pituitary gland, salivary glands, and leukemia, as well as dangers associated with the use of mobile phones, base stations, or transmitters, as well as occupational exposure. Other forms of cancer will be reported in a separate manner.

Despite the reassuring findings, some experts in the field emphasize the importance of continued research and monitoring. Dr. Sarah Thompson, a neurologist specializing in brain tumors at Johns Hopkins University, who was not involved in the study, commented, "While these results are encouraging, we must remain vigilant. Technology is constantly evolving, and new generations of mobile devices may have different effects. Long-term studies spanning several decades are crucial to fully understand any potential risks."

This review is based on other works that are comparable. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international health organizations have said in the past that there is no conclusive evidence of adverse health consequences caused by the radiation that is used by mobile phones; nonetheless, they have advocated for additional research to be conducted. At this time, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has assigned it the classification of "possibly carcinogenic," also known as class 2B. This classification is utilized in situations where the agency is unable to completely eliminate the possibility of a connection.

Given the additional information that has come to light since the classification was last examined in 2011, the advisory group of the agency has requested that it be reevaluated as soon as feasible.

The potential reclassification of mobile phone radiation by the IARC could have significant implications for public health policies and industry regulations worldwide. If the classification is downgraded, it may alleviate public concerns and potentially influence guidelines on mobile phone usage. Conversely, if the classification remains unchanged or is elevated, it could lead to increased pressure for more stringent safety measures and further research into potential long-term effects. In the first three months of the next year, the World Health Organization will publish its evaluation.