Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Cellular telephones and risk for brain tumors: a population-based, incident case-control study epidem.

Published in: Neurology 2005; 64 (7): 1189-1195

Aim of study (acc. to author)

The population-based case-control study was conducted in Denmark to investigate the possible association of brain tumors with use of cellular telephones. This study is part of the INTERPHONE project.

Further details

Regular use was defined as use of a cellular telephone at least once a week for 6 months or more.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Type of risk estimation: (odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Reference group 1 non regular use
Group 2 regular use
Reference group 3 time since first use: no or < 1 year
Group 4 time since first use: 1-4 years
Group 5 time since first use: ≤ 5 years
Group 6 time since first use: 5-9 years
Group 7 time since first use: ≥ 10 years
Reference group 8 lifetime number of calls: no or rarely
Group 9 lifetime number of calls ≤ 2349
Group 10 lifetime number of calls > 2349-≤ 8921
Group 11 lifetime number of calls > 8921
Reference group 12 lifetime hours of use: no or rarely
Group 13 lifetime hours of use: ≤ 115.6
Group 14 lifetime hours of use: > 115.6-≤ 467.9
Group 15 lifetime hours of use: > 467.9
Reference group 16 hours of use 5 years before diagnosis: no or rarely
Group 17 hours of use 5 years before diagnosis: 1-4 years
Group 18 hours of use 5 years before diagnosis: ≥ 5 years, ≥ 57.2 hours
Group 19 hours of use 5 years before diagnosis: ≥ 5 years, < 57.2 hours
Reference group 20 intensity of use: no or rarely
Group 21 intensity of use: < 15 min/day
Group 22 intensity of use: ≥ 15-< 60 min/day
Group 23 intensity of use: ≥ 60 min/day
Reference group 24 ionizing radiation: no
Group 25 ionizing radiation: low diagnostic
Group 26 ionizing radiation: high diagnostic
Group 27 ionizing radiation: occupational
Group 28 ionizing radiation: radiation therapy
Reference group 29 ionizing radiation and regular cellular phone use: neither
Group 30 ionizing radiation and regular cellular phone use: only regular use
Group 31 ionizing radiation and regular cellular phone use: only ionizing radiation
Group 32 ionizing radiation and regular cellular phone use: both

Population

Case group

Control group

Study size

Cases Controls
Eligible 592 -
Participants 427 822
Participation rate 74 % 64 %
Other:

glioma: number eligible: 354, number participating: 252; meningioma: number eligible: 238, number participating: 175

Statistical analysis method: (adjustment: )

Results (acc. to author)

The results did not support an association between the risk for brain tumors and the use of cellular telephones. The data showed a decreased risk for high-grade glioma.

Limitations (acc. to author)

The observation period was restricted to 10 years.

Study funded by

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