Heavy Cell Phone Use Could Increase Cancer Risk

Scientists have long been worried about the possible harmful effects of regular cellular phone use because so far, studies on the subject have been rather inconclusive. Cell phones are however classified as potentially carcinogenic to humans — by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Why should we be concerned?

There are reasons why people are concerned that cell phones might have the potential to cause certain types of cancer or other health problems.

First of all, cell phones emit radiofrequency energy (radio waves), a form of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation, which can be absorbed by tissues closest to where the phone is held.

Secondly, the number of cell phone users has increased rapidly. In Nigeria alone, there are well over 100million mobile phone subscribers according to the Nigerian Communications Commission. Globally, the number of cell phone subscriptions is estimated by the International Telecommunications Union to be 5 billion.

Lastly, the number of cell phone calls per day, the length of each call, and the amount of time people use cell phones has also increased.

New Findings

A new Tel Aviv University study has some news on the relationship between heavy cell phone use and cancer risk. To explore the relationship between cancer rates and cell phone use, Dr. Yaniv Hamzany of Tel Aviv University and his colleagues looked for clues in the saliva of cell phone users. Why the saliva? The cell phone is placed close to the salivary gland when in use, he and his fellow researchers hypothesized that salivary content could reveal whether there was a connection to developing cancer.

By comparing heavy mobile phone users to non-users, they found that the saliva of heavy users showed indications of higher oxidative stress — a process that damages all aspects of a human cell, including DNA — through the development of toxic peroxide and free radicals. More importantly, it is considered a major risk factor for cancer.

The researchers examined the saliva content of 20 heavy-user patients, defined as speaking on their phones for a minimum of eight hours a month. Their salivary content was compared to that of a control group, which consisted of deaf patients who either do not use a cell phone, or use the device exclusively for sending text messages and other non-verbal functions.

Compared to the control group, the heavy cell phone users had a significant increase in all salivary oxidative stress measurements studied. And although these results don't uncover a conclusive "cause and effect" relationship between cellular phone use and cancer, they add to the building evidence that cell phone use may be harmful in the long term, and point to a new direction for further research.

What can cell phone users do to reduce the risk?

Concerned cell phone users need to reduce their exposure to radiofrequency energy.

If possible landline phones should be used and if not available, cell phones should be reserved for shorter conversations.

The use of hands-free device, which places more distance between the phone and the head of the user, is also recommended.