Mobile and Cordless Phones Linked to Increased Glioma Risk: A Pooled Case-Control Study

A new study raises concerns about a potential link between mobile and cordless phone use and an increased risk of glioma, a type of brain tumour. This pooled analysis of two large case-control studies offers valuable insights, even though further research is needed for definitive conclusions.

Key Findings:

Overall increased risk: Individuals who used mobile phones showed a 30% higher risk of glioma compared to non-users, with the risk further increasing for long-term users (over 25 years).

Cordless phones also implicated: Similar risk increases were observed for cordless phone use, particularly in those who used them for 15-20 years or more.

Cumulative exposure and latency matter: Risk increased with both the total time spent on the phone and the number of years since first use.

Ipsilateral exposure and temporal lobe location: Using the phone on the same side as the tumour (ipsilateral) and having the tumour in the temporal lobe appeared to be associated with the highest risks.

Early start might worsen the risk: Initiating phone use before the age of 20 potentially leads to a higher glioma risk compared to later usage.

Mobile phone and cordless phone use and the risk for glioma – Analysis of pooled case-control studies in Sweden, 1997–2003 and 2007–2009