TOPIC: Cellular Telephones and Cancer

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

Cell phones are increasingly in the news because of their growing use and misuse. Using cell phones while driving distracts people, and they can be a nuisance to others at public places like restaurants and movies. In fact, some cities are banning their use while driving, and many restaurants now ask patrons to turn off their cell phones.

Experts estimate that by 2005, there will be more than 1.26 billion wireless telephone users worldwide. In addition to issues around driving safety, growing use of cell phones has raised concerns that use of hand-held cell phones may be linked to cancer, especially brain cancer. These concerns have resulted in numerous U.S. and international studies by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, among other agencies. The majority of these studies do not show any link between cell phone use and cancer; however, the National Cancer Institute cautions that more research needs to be done. Areas to consider include possible effects of long-term, heavy use of cell phones and potential differences between analog and digital technologies.

WHO'S AT RISK?

Researchers are currently studying whether cell phones may increase one's risk of cancer and whether certain people are at greater risk than others.

CAN IT BE PREVENTED?

It may be years until scientists know whether cell phones are linked to cancer. Like other electronic devices, cell phones give off electromagnetic radiation, but the radiation they produce has not yet been proven to pose a cancer risk. Because so many people use cell phones and their use is predicted to keep growing, it is important to learn whether the radiation they emit affects health. Also, because cellular phone use is still relatively new, cancers that take a long time to develop would not have been picked up by studies done to date so it is important that further studies be conducted.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has developed some tips for cellular phone users who are concerned with possible health risks but don't want to give up their phones.

• Reserve the use of cellular phones for shorter conversations and for times when a conventional phone is not available.

• Switch to a mobile phone with a hands-free headset to place more distance between the phone's antenna and the user.

• For use in the car, switch to a mobile phone with the antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle.

Ongoing research investigating cell phones and the risk of head and neck cancers is being conducted by the National Cancer Institute and the FDA. Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a research agency of the World Health Organization, is coordinating a study looking at the correlation between the use of cell phones and cancer across more than ten countries.

CASE EXAMPLE

Cindy is a sales representative who spends about six hours a day on the road. She often makes calls from her car to confirm meetings or to check voicemail. She does not even have a phone line in her home anymore and makes all her personal calls on her cell phone. Her mother, who is an avid reader of health news, tells her that she could be at an elevated risk for developing cancer because of her cell phone. But her mother tends to believe most things she reads, so Cindy quickly dismisses her warning. Then, one day she sees the end of a segment on her local news. The reporter is talking about car accidents attributable to cell phone use. After doing some research, Cindy decides to order a hands-free headset for her car and to hook up her local telephone service again. She wants to be a safe driver and she's read that while cell phone use and cancer have not been linked, scientists want to do more research before ruling out the possibility.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Cancer Information Service
1-800-4-CANCER
www.cancer.gov

###

Back to Top