The head of a prominent cancer research institute has warned his faculty and staff to limit cellphone use because of a possible cancer risk, The Associated Press reports.
Dr. Ronald B. Herberman, the director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, notes that while the evidence about a cellphone-cancer link remains unclear, people should take precautions, particularly for children.
“Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn’t wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later,” Dr. Herberman told The Associated Press.
Earlier this year, three prominent brain surgeons raised similar concerns while speaking on “The Larry King Show.” Their concerns were largely based on observational studies that showed only an association between cellphone use and cancer, not a causal relationship. The most important of these studies is called Interphone, a vast research effort in 13 countries, including Canada, Israel and several in Europe.
Some of the research suggests a link between cellphone use and three types of tumors: glioma; cancer of the parotid, a salivary gland near the ear; and acoustic neuroma, a tumor that essentially occurs where the ear meets the brain. All these tumors are rare, so even if cellphone use does increase risk, the risk is still very low.
On Wednesday, Dr. Herberman sent a memo to about 3,000 faculty and staff saying that children should use cellphones only for emergencies because their brains are still developing. He advised adults to keep cellphones away from the head and use the speakerphone or a wireless headset, he said.
“Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cellphone use,” he wrote in his memo.
To read my recent Well column that explores the data on cellphones and cancer, click here.
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From 1 to 25 of 294 Comments
Correlation does not equal causation.
I’ll wait for the definitive studies, thank you very much.
— Ben“A rumor is always true”
— steve” He advised adults to keep cellphones away from the head and use the speakerphone or a wireless headset, he said.”
Bluetooth employs radio frequency. Any studies to show these waves are harmless? I thought not. another reason why we should not confuse MDs with scientists.
— DonOI really wish that something like this would have been said about ten years ago. I bought a cell phone six years ago, used it as my only phone for three years, and quit using it immediately when I found out about radiation. I have not used it in over a year and never will again. The companies that make them should put the yellow and black nuclear sign on them and let us know what they are.
— JenOn the bright side- while my teenagers don’t make a move without their cellphone, they very rarely hold it to their ear. Its all texting. I doubt there is a danger to their thumbs…
— elenaCancerous WMD’’s ? This time I’ll wait for the proof.
-Matt
— MAtthew BirchCompanies are not required to publish results showing health risks. This is the big weakness of FDA protocols.
I have a friend, a retired venture capitalist, who worked for Motorola as a cellular engineer before becoming a VC. He says they have long known about the increased risk cell phones pose to the brain.
However, being a ‘profit maximizing concern’, they kept quiet. It’s not just their phones that pose this risk; it’s inherent in the RF (radio frequency) pattern.
— FredBetter safe than sorry. Wait for definitive studies at your own risk of being diagnosed with cancer, undergoing chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
All this just for the convenience of talking to other people? No thanks!
There is no harm created by lessening or discontinuing cell phone use. Those who are sick with cancer may have regrets; those who remain healthy don’t have such regrets.
— AZCorrelation doesn’t equal causation, but look at how long there was only a correlation between cigarette smoking and cancer. Because these tumors are so rare anyway, the sample size needed to produce a significant “causal” result would be extremely high. I think it’s definitely wise to err on the side of caution rather than have your kids blame you in 50 years for letting them use cell phones as a kid.
— JonHow many times have we already heard this…and still no proof!
— Herman Kurzweil“Correlation does not equal causation” served the cigarette industry well for years. Why shouldn’t the cell-phone folks and their apologists adopt it? I, for one, take this “correlation” as a serious hint from the universe, and will so advise my daughter.
— Virginia Schulmanokay, what about cordless phones?? Doesn’t everyone use these in their homes now? I thought the wireless receiver was similar to a cell phone.
I’m thinking of bringing out my ancient corded phone.
And to those above, is there such a thing as a “definitive study”? Research recommendations are always evolving and changing. Just look at nutrition science.
— DianaYeah, what do doctors know? .. In 20 years, when a definitive study does come out, have fun crossing your fingers and hoping; everyone knows that works wonders with cancer..
— JamesThis chairman is just looking for publicity. All the European studies show absolutely no causal link. Furthermore, as a radiation oncologist I absolutely know that there is no biologic mechanism for the effect. Cellphones do not emit ionizing radiation. They are just as harmless as radio waves or looking into the microwave.
— MKoshyFROM TPP — To clarify, while the European studies don’t show a “causal” link (almost impossible to prove) some of those studies do show associations with brain tumors.
Don’t be so hasty to dismiss the possibility. I am 32 years old and have maybe a year ot two to live. Have had a cell phone in my ear most of my adult life.
— Brain Cancer PatientNevermind the cancer question…..cell phones are dangerous due to distractions they pose for drivers and pedestrians alike. Not to mention the annoying factor for everyone else forced to endure someone else’s loud conversation. Who is everyone talking to, anyway?
— Peter Galantehttp://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/02/brain-surgeons-and-cellphones/#comment-90602
has excerpts from the actual source — always better to read what was actually said, instead of what someone writing for a newspaper says someone said.
Check the original sources, always.
The point buried in the news story is that with a ten-year study, it’s not possible to show cancer caused by tobacco either. It’s certainly there, but it takes many more years to show up.
With tobacco we’ve had the years. With cell phones there are only the early hints that something’s apt to show up given enough years and enough numbers.
The warning is about _children_, people. Think.
The excerpts are from the same link as down at the very bottom of the news story, good for them for providing it.
— Hank RobertsAre you serious? Has anyone taken the time to look at the electromagnetic spectrum lately? The kinds of waves that cause cancer, like x-rays, are thousands of times smaller than visible light. The waves emitted from cellphones are thousands of times bigger than visible light (i.e in wavelength). In order for a wave to cause cancer it must disrupt DNA — DNA is really really small. Can anyone please explain the scientific rationale, if any, behind all these suspicions about cell phones?
— ElizabethBen –
— JonathanI think the principals involve understand the fact that correlation does not equal causation. “Definitive studies” about a lifetime of exposure, or decades at least, will by definition be available only after many decades — probably a little late for your consideration.
” He advised adults to keep cellphones away from the head and use the speakerphone or a wireless headset, he said.”
What about a ‘wired’ headset? Does it still pose a risk?
— FJPFROM TPP — It’s not known. Some doctors say that the bluetooth emits less radiation but it’s directly in the ear so they advise against it. but it hasn’t been studied.
The article states clearly that the discussion so far does not speak of causality, only observed correlation. I’d rather not fry my brain any more than I did in the ’70s. I hope that folks who ignore the possibility do not have to say, 10 years from now, “I should have heeded the warnings”. My Blackberry is for texting and infrequent phone messages only, never snuggled next to my ear.
— Susan CookWell, among my friends and acquaintances I know of only two heavy cell phone users who have gotten odd brain cancers. Just anecdotal, right? It needs investigation.
— HattieOf course cell phones cause cancer. But so does exhaust from motor vehicles. And I certainly don’t see people stopping either in the near future. Just don’t act surprised when it’s your turn for a cancer diagnosis.
— strider643elizabeth you are exactly right… its doesn’t make any actual sense. Also, the fact that radio waves and the like are constantly flying around our earth and being emitted by not only us but by the universe makes you think about this. I find this a whole bunch of crap without hard evidence, evidence will make me think about it. Until then its stupid.
— jayI can tell you there’s definitive evidence that cellphones are deadly, but that’s when used by people while driving. Why don’t we focus on this proven risk factor first, and get driving while phonetoxicated outlawed?
I’ve not been killed yet by a cellphoning driver, but I’ve now scored *7* near misses. The only reason they were misses is because *I* was paying attention.
— Janet V