Do Mobile Phones Cause Cancer?

Many people have long speculated the damaging effects of mobile phones to our bodies. One of these is that using these gadgets can increase the risk of cancer.

In 2011, however, the International Agency for Research on Cancer placed mobile phones under their “gold standard” rating system. This means that such devices can possibly cause cancer in humans.

Mobile-phone-radiation

Evidences in Studies

The largest study ever published that looked into the relationship of mobile phones and cancer consisted of over 420,000 respondents. This Danish study found that there was no evidence linking these devices with leukemia and brain cancers. Another study, looking into 6,000 people from 13 countries with brain cancer also had the same results.

There were studies stating that those people with brain cancers have the tumor growing in the side of their head where they hold their phone to during calls. In such cases, however, their risk for brain cancer was not significantly higher. This effect was attributed to problems with the design of the research study. The information gathered in the study relied on the memory of the participants which is not always reliable.

Further researches in this field are currently on going in order to look for new evidences linking these two.

Cancer Incidence

Consumers have seen a boom in the manufacture, purchase, and use of mobile phones since the 1980s. And if mobile phones do increase the risk for cancer, there should be a trend of increased cancer cases today. However, studies in various countries around the world that then umber of people acquiring this disease has not changed much. Still, it is important to note that cancer takes years to develop so such a trend might rise over time.

Mobile Phone Radiation

It is the radiation that is emitted from these devices that are believed to cause cancer. However, the microwave radiation that they emit is very weak and is not enough to damage DNA. The small amount of heat they produce is also not enough for it to be considered a health risk, according to a number of researches.

Years ago, a set of international safety standards has been released as a way to limit the radiation level given off by phones. Such limit will be very beneficial for children and those who are sensitive to phone radiation.

Taking Precautions

Looking at the bigger picture, mobile phones are still new inventions. Although studies have dictated that using them for about 10 years is relatively safe; consumers should still be cautious of its possible long-term effects. Further, there have been no extensive studies looking into these devices’ effect on the health of children so this is another aspect to look into.

Unless substantial evidence is released offering definitive proof that mobile phones increase the risk for cancer or otherwise, the government and the people should still take the necessary precautions. Adults should minimize their exposure to the radiation and heat that it gives off by keeping call shorts. Children under the age of 16, because their bodies are yet to fully develop, should limit the use of phones for essential calls.

 

 

About the Author:

Amy C. is a techie fanatic, writing and blogging about the newest gadgets released in this modern world. She also provides the latest information with regards to their care and usage. When she does not have her hands full on electronic devices, she aids in the blogging and administration activities of Greyside Group, a maritime security and executive protection company. Stay tuned for her next post for more interesting information.

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22 Responses to “Do Mobile Phones Cause Cancer?”

  1. Ash

    May 12. 2012

    They do not cause cancer!!!

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  2. PrIyAnGsHu

    May 13. 2012

    Great post buddy ! Does mobile phones really cause Cancer ?

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    • Peter

      May 29. 2012

      I guess no one could really 100% sure! Some say yes, while others say no. But one cell phone risk is for sure and that’s using it wrongly may cause death such as those using cell phones while driving. That’s very dangerous!

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  3. Sylvia

    May 14. 2012

    Most of us do not really know if cellphones are bad for us in the long run, but from what I’ve heard, it’s best to hold your cellphone on the left ear when doing calls, not the right (not sure but I remember it’s less harmful to the brain that way).

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  4. kimberly

    May 15. 2012

    i was very surprised to read this post. i never knew that we can get cancer by excessive usage of mobile phones.but we can avoid it by taking proper precautions. can you explain in detail what precautions can we take to avoid getting cancer.

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  5. Gaurang

    May 16. 2012

    Yes definitely, mobile phones are the reason for causing radiation in our body and thereby weakening our immunity system.

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  6. TracyAnn0312

    May 16. 2012

    Some of them can cause cancer because of the radiation it produces but most of the are good. As listed in the study above most people who uses cellphones are exposed to the radiation it may produce that is why it can be cancerous. However, there can also be advantage you can get from it’s radiation because some bad cells will die.

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  7. Rahul

    May 16. 2012

    Yes mobile phone can be a thing of great danger because of the serious effects of the radiations being used in the communication.

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  8. Brain

    May 16. 2012

    Mobile phone causes cancer because of some radiations of call. When ever call connected with satellite tower it creates particulate radiations. Thanks for giving information about mobile phone and cancer.

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  9. Maya

    May 17. 2012

    I think that mobile phones doesn’t cause cancer. If so, they will not be manufactured as much as they are right now. And I also think that mobile phones undergo a certain test before coming out of the market.

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  10. Ashok

    May 17. 2012

    This is necessary awareness to people about Cancer from mobile phone, this is very fetal disease, i like your effort for aware about this. disease. thanks for sharing good info.

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  11. Ken

    May 17. 2012

    I do think it is always at the back of our minds if phones/headphones cause cancer however there are so many factors that cause cancer that in my opinion it is worth living life as you choose and let chance take hold of how your life is going to live/end.

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  12. Rashmi

    May 21. 2012

    This is a question that is in the newspapers and blogs for a lot of years. There is not a clear answer to this. But, since mobiles are a part of our everyday life, lets make sure we are using them as short as we can.

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  13. kunal

    May 22. 2012

    hey really a helpful article.. thanks for enlightning us with the facts… i surely agree with u and kind of explanation u gave…

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  14. Crescent

    May 27. 2012

    While radiation can cause cancer it can also do absolutely nothing at all. There are various thresholds for radiation, at certain levels it can cause radiation poisoning while at others it can permanently mutate your cellular structure over time.

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  15. Dentist

    May 28. 2012

    Maybe, we should still be aware of this. My mom keeps on telling me that over exposure on mobile phones can lead to cancer. I still don’t believe this things, but Mobile phone Manufacturers should conduct a study regarding this matter. Small amount of radiation is still bad right? And being aware is not cowardliness.

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  16. formation

    Jun 01. 2012

    I sure that MOBILE PHONE cause cancer because of radiation !!!!

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  17. noel

    Jun 05. 2012

    i always see this words on advertising and i still don’t believe it. how a mobile phone can gives you a cancer? maybe it’s true but i noticed that in this world if you abuse you will get something back. so if you abuse with phones you can get something but maybe not an cancer.

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  18. abdurrazaq

    Jun 25. 2012

    probably because of mobile phone electromagnetic radiation issue

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  19. dodo

    Jul 14. 2012

    it’s a new info for me. 🙂
    whether this is true or not. I think we should be cautious against the use of the phone too often, to be honest I agree with that statement because radiation can indeed cause problems in your body health…

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  20. Sarthak Kaushik

    Aug 11. 2012

    GREAT article, I myself believe that most of the people are oblivious of the fact that the prolong use of mobile causes such cancer

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  21. Gargi

    Sep 20. 2013

    Is it so?? That means, technology also effects our body?? But this an only source through which we easily connect to peoples…there are no precautionary options available…now I am worried whether I should use cell phone or not???

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