Published Jan 14, 2021

Can Cell Phones & 5G Cause Cancer? A Leading Brain Cancer Doctor Says “No”

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Cells Phone, 5G, & Cancer Rumors

There has long been, unfounded, concern and myths about a connection between cell phones and brain cancer.
The recent expansion from 4G to 5G networks has reignited the question as to whether there is a link to cancer.
Leading brain tumor expert, Dr. Henry Friedman, says there is no link or need to be concerned.

Unfounded rumors and conspiracy theories saying 5G towers and cell service can cause brain tumors run rampant. Despite years of research, the cause as to why people develop brain cancers, such as glioblastoma, has largely evaded top scientists and researchers across the globe. And because these tumors, though rare, are often deadly, people (maybe out of desperation) want to have something to blame it on.

“There is no compelling study, which clearly indicts a use of a cell phone to causing a brain tumor…" Dr. Henry Friedman

One rumored risk factor, cell phones and mobile data usage, has recently received new press attention given the rapid expansion of the more powerful 5G network across the United States. Despite multiple reports showing there is no known link between cell phone use, mobile networks, and risk for glioblastoma many still fear that the switch to the more powerful 5G network could increase their risk for this deadly disease.

An Expert Weighs In

To get a better understanding of the science behind these claims SurvivorNet spoke with the top brain researcher in the U.S. and neuro-oncologist at Duke University Medical Center, Dr. Henry Friedman. When asked about a possible connection between cell phones, 5G, and glioblastoma, Dr. Friedman jokingly interrupted our conversation to say, as he motioned to pick up his phone, "I’d love to talk about the putative role of cell phones in causing glioblastoma, but I’d really like to answer this call first, if I could, so I can show you how I'm kidding."

After a few laughs Dr. Friedman went on to say, "I think that there’s been a lot of data out there and a lot of studies. And as of now, there is no compelling study, which clearly indicts a use of a cell phone to causing a brain tumor. The only environmental agent or exposure that is clearly related to the development of a brain tumor is ionizing radiation."

Understanding Ionizing Radiation

So what is ionizing radiation and how is this related to 5G? First, you need to understand what radiation is. Radiation is a scary term but is a broad one used to describe all light. That’s correct! Even the light you are using to read this article right now is radiation. It is just energy moving through space.

Second, you need to understand the electromagnetic spectrum. The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of frequencies (energy) that electromagnetic energy extends. The lowest energy on the spectrum are radio waves (yes, this is what your car tunes-in to) and the highest energy waves on this spectrum are gamma rays. Visible light is also on this spectrum and lies in the middle. Ionizing radiation is a form of high energy radiation that can directly ionize or damage cells. This direct damage can cause problems within the DNA of a cell and lead to many downstream effects including cancer.

So What of 5G?

So is 5G an ionizing radiation? The answer is no. 5G networks, as with the slower and less powerful 3G and 4G networks, use microwave radiation. This form of radiation is lower on the energy spectrum than the visible light that we perceive with our eyes. Ionizing radiations includes X-rays, Gamma rays, and some ultraviolet radiation that carries excessive energy.

The energy used in 5G networks is on the opposite end of the spectrum and exists in a form that is not known to be associated with cancer.

“Ionizing radiation is the only environmental risk factor we know concretely that causes brain tumors.”

When Dr. Friedman was asked about the few small studies that seem to show a possible link between cell phone use and glioblastoma, he tells SurvivorNet, "Well, there is data that’s come out that says that there’s an association between cell phones and brain tumors, but there’s also been a lot of studies that really believe that there’s no relationship that’s been established. I think you can pick any topic in this country, from politics to sports and there are going to be people who weigh in on both sides of the coin." The take home message from Dr. Friedman is that ionizing radiation "is the only environmental exposure we know concretely that causes brain tumors."

For now, rest assured that there seems to be no association between 5G networks, cell phone use, and glioblastoma. For more information on this rare brain tumor please review our full interview with Dr. Friedman.

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