Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Brain cancer incidence trends in relation to cellular telephone use in the United States epidem.

Published in: Neuro Oncol 2010; 12 (11): 1147-1151

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A study was conducted in the USA to investigate the time trends of brain cancer incidence in relation to cellular phone use.

Further details

Trends were investigated separately for 1977-1991 (introduction of new diagnostic technologies such as computertomography and magnetic resoncance imaging which led to an increase in diagnosed cases) and 1992-2006 (exponentially increasing use of cellular phones).

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

Type of risk estimation: (standardized incidence rate (SIR))

Exposure

Assessment

Population

Study size

Type Value
Total 38,788
Other:

approximately 10 % of the US population is covered by the study

Statistical analysis method:

Results (acc. to author)

Overall, brain cancer incidence rates have declined since the early 1990s. The increase in the time period before is believed to be attributable to improved diagnosis. The only subgroup in this study that showed a significant increasing trend since 1992 was the group of 20-29 year-old females. This increase could be mainly attributed to an increase in frontal lobe tumors which is not the part of the brain highly exposed by cellular phones.
The authors conclude that the incidence data do not provide support to the view that cellular phone use causes brain cancer.

Study funded by

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