Study type: Epidemiological study (observational study)

Pituitary tumor risk in relation to mobile phone use: A case-control study epidem.

Published in: Acta Oncol 2015; 54 (8): 1159-1165

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A case-control study was conducted in Finland to evaluate the association between pituitary tumor risk and mobile phone use.

Further details

The study sample represents a subset of the Finnish Interphone study. Regular use of a mobile phone was defined as at least once a week for at least six months.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

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

Exposure

Assessment

Exposure groups

Group Description
Reference group 1 ever use of mobile phone: no
Group 2 ever use of mobile phone: yes
Reference group 3 never or nonregular use
Group 4 regular use
Group 5 years since first use: 1.5 - 4.9
Group 6 years since first use: 5.0 - 9.9
Group 7 years since first use: ≥ 10
Group 8 total duration of use: 1.5 - 4.9 years
Group 9 total duration of use: 5.0 - 9.9 years
Group 10 total duration of use: ≥10 years
Group 11 cumulative number of calls: < 3170
Group 12 cumulative number of calls: 3170 - 13769
Group 13 cumulative number of calls: > 13769
Group 14 cumulative use: < 214 hours
Group 15 cumulative use: 214 - 867 hours
Group 16 cumulative use: > 867 hours
Group 17 cumulative number of calls by time since first use: < 10 years
Group 18 cumulative number of calls by time since first use: ≥ 10 years (< 2190 calls)
Group 19 cumulative number of calls by time since first use: ≥ 10 years (≥ 2190 calls)
Group 20 cumulative hours of use by time since first use: < 10 years
Group 21 cumulative hours of use by time since first use: ≥ 10 years (< 188 hours)
Group 22 cumulative hours of use by time since first use: ≥ 10 years (≥ 188 hours)

Population

Case group

Control group

Study size

Cases Controls
Eligible 85 -
Evaluable 80 240
Statistical analysis method:

Results (acc. to author)

A reduced odds ratio was seen among regular mobile phone users (OR 0.39, CI 0.21-0.72) compared to never/non-regular users, possibly reflecting methodological limitations. The pituitary tumor risk was not increased in relation to duration of use, cumulative hours of use, or cumulative number of calls.
The authors conclude that no excess pituitary tumor risk associated with short- or medium-term use of mobile phones was observed.

Study funded by

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