Brain Tumor Rates Are Rising in the US: The Role of Cell Phone & Cordless Phone Use

In recent years, there has been growing concern over the potential health effects of electromagnetic radiation emitted by cell phones, cell towers, Wi-Fi, smart meters, electric vehicles, and other wireless technologies, including the rollout of 5G networks. This report delves into the scientific and policy developments regarding the biological and health effects of electromagnetic radiation, with a focus on the rising rates of head and neck tumors in the United States since the year 2000. We will explore the data indicating increases in specific types of brain tumors and discuss the possible role of cell phone and cordless phone use in these trends.

YouTube Video Thumbnail

Overview of Electromagnetic Radiation Safety

Sources of Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a form of energy emitted by various technologies that have become integral to modern life. Common sources include:

Potential Health Effects

The biological impact of EMR on human health has been a subject of extensive research. Potential health effects include:

Rising Brain Tumor Rates in the United States

Data from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER 22 Registry, covering 48% of the U.S. population, indicate significant increases in age-adjusted incidence rates for several head and neck tumors associated with cell phone use. These include nonmalignant meningioma, glioblastoma, thyroid cancer, and salivary gland cancer.

Nonmalignant Meningioma

Incidence Trends

Possible Causes

Glioblastoma

Incidence Trends

Age Groups Affected

Thyroid Cancer

Incidence Trends

Possible Causes

Salivary Gland Cancer

Incidence Trends

Possible Causes

Research Linking Cell Phone Use and Brain Tumors

Case-Control Studies

Several case-control studies have investigated the association between long-term cell phone use and the risk of developing brain tumors.

Interphone Study

Hardell Group Studies

CERENAT Study (France)

Mechanisms of Electromagnetic Radiation Effects

Policy and Regulatory Developments

Current Exposure Guidelines

Critiques of Existing Guidelines

Conclusion

The rising incidence rates of certain brain and head tumors in the United States since 2000 raise significant public health concerns. While improved diagnostic techniques may contribute to higher detection rates, the potential role of increased exposure to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones and other wireless devices cannot be overlooked. Multiple independent studies have found associations between long-term cell phone use and increased risks of glioma and meningioma. Given these findings, there is a pressing need for:

References

  1. SEER*Explorer: An interactive website for SEER cancer statistics. Surveillance Research Program, National Cancer Institute. Available from: https://seer.cancer.gov/statistics-network/explorer/
  2. Hardell L, Carlberg M. Increasing rates of brain tumours in the Swedish national inpatient register and the causes of death register. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015.
  3. Interphone Study Group. Brain tumour risk in relation to mobile telephone use: results of the INTERPHONE international case–control study. Int J Epidemiol. 2010.
  4. Coureau G, et al. Mobile phone use and brain tumours in the CERENAT case-control study. Occup Environ Med. 2014.
  5. Dolecek TA, et al. CBTRUS statistical report: Primary brain and central nervous system tumors diagnosed in the United States in 2005–2009. Neuro Oncol. 2012.
  6. Carlberg M, Hardell L. Pooled analysis of Swedish case-control studies during 1997–2003 and 2007–2009 on meningioma risk associated with the use of mobile and cordless phones. Oncol Rep. 2015.
  7. Benson VS, et al. Mobile phone use and risk of brain neoplasms and other cancers: prospective study. Int J Epidemiol. 2013.
  8. Ostrom QT, et al. CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary brain and other central nervous system tumors diagnosed in the United States in 2013–2017. Neuro Oncol. 2020.
  9. Islami F, et al. Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, Part 1: National Cancer Statistics. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2021.
  10. Siegel RL, et al. Cancer statistics, 2020. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020.

By acknowledging the potential risks and taking proactive steps, we can work towards reducing the incidence of brain tumors associated with electromagnetic radiation exposure.

https://www.rfsafe.com/articles/cell-phone-radiation/brain-tumor-rates-are-rising-in-the-us-the-role-of-cell-phone-cordless-phone-use.html