Do mobile phones cause cancer? What the Research Says

” Don’t use your phone much. It causes cancer. ”

We have all heard that.

Maybe your parents have warned you about it. Maybe a friend mentioned it.. Perhaps you have seen it while scrolling through social media.

Here is the question:

Can your mobile phone really give you cancer?

The answer may surprise you.

There is currently no evidence that using a mobile phone causes cancer.

Before you breathe a sigh of relief and go back to scrolling there is more to the story.

Why do people connect phones with cancer?

Mobile phones use radiofrequency energy to send and receive signals.

Because we often hold our phones close to our heads during calls scientists have spent years studying whether long-term exposure could increase the risk of brain cancer.

Far large studies have not found a clear and consistent link between mobile phone use and cancer.

In terms of using your phone does not mean that you are going to develop cancer.

What about Mobile phone radiation?

This is where things can get confusing.

The word radiation often sounds frightening. Not all radiation is the same.

Mobile phones use -ionising radiation. It does not have energy to directly damage DNA in the way that ionising radiation, such as X-rays can.

So your mobile phone and an X-ray machine do not expose you to the type of radiation.

Then why was it called carcinogenic?

You may have seen reports saying that phone radiation is possibly carcinogenic.

In 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified radiofrequency radiation as carcinogenic to humans.

This is often misunderstood.

It did not mean that mobile phones were proven to cause cancer.

It meant that there was evidence at the time and scientists could not completely rule out a possible risk.

Research has continued since then and large studies have not shown a connection between mobile phone use and cancer.

So should you stop using your phone?

No.

There is no need to panic, throw away your phone or stop making calls because you are worried about cancer.

Cutting down on unnecessary phone use can still be a good habit.

Much screen time can affect:

• Sleep
• Eye comfort
• Concentration
• Activity
• Time spent with family and friends

And one phone-related risk is very clear: using your phone while driving can cause serious accidents

Want to reduce your exposure?

If you prefer to limit your exposure to radiofrequency energy there are some things you can do:

• Use speaker mode during longer calls.
• Use earphones or headphones when possible.
• Avoid making long calls when your phone has a weak signal.
• Keep your phone a little away from your body when you don’t need it close.
• Take screen breaks.

You don’t need to stop using your phone.

Even a little distance between you and your phone can reduce your exposure.

Don’t let a cancer myth become a fact

Cancer myths can spread fast.

A message gets forwarded on WhatsApp. Someone shared it on Instagram. Another person repeats it to a friend.

Before long something that was never proven can start sounding like advice.

This is why it is important to check where your health information comes from.

When it comes to cancer don’t let fear make the decision for you.

Want to Lower Your Cancer Risk? Start With These Steps

Of worrying about every viral cancer claim focus on things that are known to affect cancer risk.

Simple steps include:

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco
• Limit alcohol
• Stay physically active
• Maintain a weight
• Eat a diet
• Protect your skin from sun exposure.
• Know your family history.
• Follow recommended cancer screening guidelines.
• Speak to a doctor about persistent changes in your body.

These are more meaningful steps towards protecting your health than worrying about whether your phone is going to give you cancer.

DOCTOR DETAILS:
Dr. Anbarasi Kumaresan
Senior Consultant
Radiation Oncology