Sunday, February 17, 2008

A New Cancer Risk From Cell Phones?

We have all heard the debate about cell phones and brain tumors, but could cell phone use increase the risk of another type of cancer? A study published this week in the "American Journal of Epidemiology" suggests this is the case.

This study, led by researchers in Israel, found that heavy cell phone use increased the risk of benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) salivary gland tumors, in particular of the parotid gland. The parotid gland is a salivary gland located in front of the ear, and is best known as the gland that swells - causing the characteristic appearance of an individual with mumps.

The study, unlike many other epidemiological studies, compared "heavy use" of cell phones rather than "ever use" of cell phones to come to their conclusions. Those who were in the highest category of cell phone use, based on number of calls and total call time, had a 58 percent increased risk of developing parotid gland tumors on the side of the head where they held the phone. There was no increased risk of tumor development on the side of the head where they did not hold the phone.

With 90 percent of individuals in Western countries using cell phones, what should we do with this information?

Sadetzski, the lead researcher in this study, suggests that parents be vigilant about their children's use of cell phones, limiting the number of calls and time spent on the phone. Many European countries have already taken actions to protect children, and recommend children use cell phones only for necessary calls to parents. This is not based on documented studies at this time, but on the theoretical risk to developing brains. The latency period (time between exposure and cancer) for many cancers is long. If tobacco came out when cell phones did, we may not see an increase in cancer...

In the USA, we may want to consider the European approach to cell phone use in children. After all, even if cell phones are given a green light in 30 years, many of our children are replacing time spent exercising and doing homework with time on their cell phones. With childhood obesity skyrocketing and test scores declining, we would be wise to take note.

Reference: Sadetzski, S. et al. 2008. "Cellular Phone use and Risk of Benign and Malignant Parotid Gland Tumors -- A Nationwide Case-Control Study." American Journal of Epidemiology." 167(4)457-467.

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