Mobile phones are not causing brain cancer, a WHO study confirms

The long-standing concern that mobile phones might cause brain cancer has once again been debunked by a comprehensive systematic review commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO). Published in the journal Environment International, this review provides the strongest evidence to date that radio wave exposure from mobile phones does not increase the risk of brain cancer or other health issues.

Mobile phones emit radio waves, a form of non-ionising radiation, which has raised concerns over the years due to their proximity to the head during use. The idea that these devices could be linked to brain cancer has been a topic of debate, especially since mobile phones have become an integral part of daily life.

Despite occasional studies hinting at potential harm, the scientific consensus has consistently found no association between mobile phone use and cancer. The new review strengthens this consensus, analysing data from over 5,000 studies, including 63 key studies published between 1994 and 2022. The review found no evidence that mobile phone use, even over prolonged periods, increases the risk of brain cancer or any other head or neck cancers.
This latest research is a critical follow-up to the 2011 classification by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a part of WHO, which labeled radio waves as a "possible carcinogen" based on limited evidence. The new review, with its more extensive and updated data set, clarifies that earlier concerns were based on observational studies that had significant biases.

One of the major studies cited by the IARC was the INTERPHONE study, which relied on self-reported data from brain cancer patients who may have overestimated their mobile phone use. The new review, however, considers more recent and robust studies that show no correlation between mobile phone use and cancer incidence.

Importantly, the findings also reflect the fact that, despite the massive increase in mobile phone use over the past few decades, there has been no corresponding rise in brain cancer cases. This reinforces the idea that national and international safety limits for radio wave exposure are effective in protecting public health.

While the results are reassuring, the review emphasizes the need for ongoing research. As technology evolves and the use of radio waves expands, it remains crucial to monitor any potential health impacts. However, for now, the evidence strongly supports the safety of mobile phones, countering persistent misconceptions and misinformation.

In summary, this comprehensive review should put to rest fears about mobile phones and brain cancer, confirming that the devices we rely on daily do not pose a risk to our health.