Mobile phone studies cast doubt on cancer link

Yet more recent research has cast doubt on previous scientific conclusions that mobile phones can cause brain cancer.

The Time Trends in Brain Tumor Incidence Rates study found no related, observable change in the incidence of cases in more than 60,000 people in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden diagnosed with brain tumors between 1974 and 2003.

Isabelle Deltour of the Danish Cancer Society and others, said in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (JNCI): The [cause] of brain tumours is poorly understood. The only well-established risk factors – ionizing radiation and rare hereditary syndromes – account for a small proportion of brain tumour cases."

The latest study is just one of many researching the use of mobile phones and the possible increased risks of cancer. The JNCI conclusions are consistent with findings of a number of recent papers published by other Nordic and British studies.

The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), the expert body that advises the World Health Organisation (WHO) on this subject, recently reviewed the available evidence and stated in September 2009 that present standards for mobile phones and base stations are protective for all people.

In addition, preliminary observations from some scientists appear to show that the vast 10-year World Health Organisation-led Interphone inquiry into the risks may draw similar conclusions.

At an online conference hosted by Australia's Science Media Centre, Bernard Veyret, a member of a research group affiliated with WHO, said studies pointed to an ''absence of effect'' from mobile base stations and some uncertainty about mobile phones themselves.

However, the JNCI acknowledged that there could be other reasons for the lack of a detectable change in the incident rates of brain cancer up to 2003 and cautioned that "open questions about prolonged exposures remain".

It is also believed that the WHO study may suggest a slightly heightened long-term risk for heavy users of mobiles. Data is also lacking on children’s usage.

The GSM Association, which represents the interests of the mobile communications industry said: "The Scandinavian research should reassure mobile phone users as the finding of 'no established brain tumour risk from mobile phone use' is consistent with the results of Interphone reported to date, the 420,000 strong Danish cohort study and many, many independent reviews.

"The mobile industry takes all issues regarding public safety very seriously and we are committed to supporting ongoing scientific research.

"The Interphone report has been under way for some time now and it is important to wait for the full data collected across the 13 countries, as incomplete data or speculation may cause unnecessary worry and concern. We look forward to seeing the full data when it is published."