Do mobile phones cause cancer?

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Mobile cause cancer

So far, the scientific evidence shows it is unlikely that mobile phones could increase the risk of brain tumours, or any other type of cancer. But we do not know enough to completely rule out a risk.

In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified mobile phones for the first time in their ‘gold-standard’ rating system. They said the devices could ‘possibly’ cause cancer in humans (group 2B), but there wasn’t enough evidence to come to a clear conclusion.

Cell phones (including smartphones) give off a form of energy known as radiofrequency (RF) waves, so some concerns have been raised about the safety of cell phone use. With respect to cancer, concern focuses on whether cell phones might increase the risk of brain tumours or other tumours in the head and neck area.



How are people exposed?


So far, studies have indicated that using these phones for about 10 years is unlikely to cause cancer. But we cannot be completely sure about their long-term effects. There still aren’t any good explanations for how mobile phones could cause cancer. The radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation they transmit and receive is very weak. This radiation does not have enough energy to damage DNA, and cannot directly cause cancer.

What can mobile users do to reduce their exposure to radiofrequency energy?