Here’s What We Know About Cell Phone Use And the Risks For Cancer

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Cell phone emit radiation that can be absorbed by human tissue; however, that does not mean that cell phones can cause cancer. An important factor is that cell phone emit non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation—the kind of radiation emitted by microwave—not ionizing radiation—the kind that comes from x-rays. One of the differences is that non-ionizing radiation does not cause DNA damage, which is considered a necessary trigger for cancer. Other factors to consider are the changing technology of cell phones and the variations in use. In addition, most studies focus on cell phone use and brain cancer, which only represents 2% of all cancers. The current opinion is that the evidence is inconclusive. But scientists are still working to figure out if there is a link between cancer and cell phone use. A study in the United Kingdom began in 2010 and is following 290,000 cell phone users for 20 to 30 years. Researchers will have access to participants’ phone records, which will provide a more reliable measure of actual usage. In the meantime, people who are concerned could text instead of call, minimize their usage of cell phones, and keep a distance from the phone as much as possible.