Scientists Probe the Risk of Cell Phone Use and Cancer

Notable Cancer Doctor Discusses Cancer Risk Concerning Cell Phone Use

The director of a prominent cancer research institution has released cautionary words to his administrators and staff to restrain from excessive use of cell phones because of a chance of cancer, according to The Associated Press. The director at the Cancer Institute at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Ronald Herberman, stated that while the data about a cell phone-cancer relationship has not yet been proven beyond a fact, people should make precautions, above all for children.

Dr. Herberman continues by stating to The Associated Press that the basis of his concern is that we ought not to wait for definite facts to be released, but instead be cautious and safe, instead of being sorry at a later date.

Brain Surgeons Raise Concerns About Cell Phone Use and Cancer Risk

Previously this year, three remarkable brain surgeons brought to light their concerns about cell phone use and the risk of cancer while appearing on "The Larry King Show." Their nervousness on the subject was mostly based on observational studies that documented a notable link between cell phone use and cancer, which by any means was not a causal relationship. The extremely important of these research studies was termed Interphone, an immense examination in thirteen countries, which include Canada, Israel and several in Europe.

Some of the data suggests a relationship amid cell phone use and three types of cancerous tumors: glioma; parotid cancer, a salivary gland close to the ear; and acoustic neuroma, a tumor that substantially occurs near where the ear and the brain meet. Indeed, all of these tumors are uncommon, so if cell phone use does indeed raise the risk of developing cancer, the risk is yet very low.

Researchers Probe Cell Phone and Cancer Risk in Children

Researchers in Britain warn the public that cell phone use can lead to brain tumors, and they are breaking ground by issuing public warnings to parents with children under the age of eight. The researchers state that these children should not use a cell phone at all. Their review says intense use can contribute to tumors in the brain and ears, and furthermore the report states that until recently, many scientists have mostly understated the danger.

Brain Cancer and Cell Phone Use

Public worries about cell phone use leading to the development of cancerous tumors is nothing new. Indeed, these concerns are nearly as old as the cell phone industry itself. However, the alarms are becoming louder because the use of cell phones in modern world has become more prevalent, causing the level of concern to rise.

A trial in the international journal Epidemiology October issue last year, discovered that people who have a history of cell phone use for the last ten years may absolutely have an increased risk of developing a rare, but very dangerous brain tumor.

The chairman of the National Radiological Protection Board, Professor Sir William Stewart, stated that the warnings are graver now seeing that the facts of potentially dangerous effects have evolved into more persuasive studies within the last five years. The Professor and his colleagues debate that four studies in specific have led to growing concern.

Cell Phones Use Could Be More Dangerous Than Smoking Cigarettes

Millions of deaths could result over the long term, it is warned. A trial led by a renowned cancer expert documents that cell phone use could possibly kill more people than smoking it is reported. The study which was organized by Dr. Vini Khurana, documented that there is an increasing body of evidence which shows that using cell phones for a period of ten years or longer could double the risk of developing a rare but dangerous brain cancer.

Khurana has been described by many as one of the world's leading neurosurgeons, and he based his conclusion on the data collected that shows that three billion people around the world now use the phones. This number is nearly three times higher than people who have the habit of smoking cigarettes. And the bad news is that cigarette smoking leads to death in nearly five million people each year.

Many question if Khurana is overstating the numbers. Dr. Khurana, however, states that the numbers back him up. He also notes that there is little doubt that cell phone use is risky and data shows it can very well lead to the development of brain tumors.

The risks, according to Khurana, will arise as a more prevalent threat in the years ahead.

Mixed Reviews

Contrary to this view, the scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered in a study funded by Motorola that the electromagnetic radiation which is created by cell phones does not lead to a stress indication in mouse, hamster or even in human cells growing in cultures.

The stress acknowledgment is a cellular safety mechanism caused by various adverse stimuli, some of which include heat shock, inflammation of heavy metals. Intense levels of the stress indication in cells are believed to result in alterations associated with malignancy.

Andrei Laszlo, Ph.D., who is associate professor of radiation oncology and a scientist at the Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine performed highly sensitive, extremely well-controlled tests on living cells irradiated with energy like that from mobile phones, but at levels 5 to 10 times higher than those set for the devices by regulatory agencies. Dr. Laszlo stated that there was no evidence that shows evidence of stress response resulting from cell phone radiation exposure.

If you have questions or concerns about cell phone use and cancer risk, it is recommended that you consult with your health care provider.