The FDA finds no link between cell phones and cancer
- The FDA reviewed relevant studies published between January 1, 2008 and August 1, 2018, determining that there was no link between cell phones and cancer.
- Even as frequencies increase to 5G, the safety of cell phones remains.
While it’s not uncommon to hear someone warn about links between cell phones and cancer, a new report from the FDA reconfirms there is no proven connection between the two. In a review of relevant studies published between January 1, 2008 and August 1, 2018, the FDA determined that “the available epidemiological and cancer incidence data continues to support the Agency’s determination that there are no quantifiable adverse health effects in humans caused by exposures at or under the current cell phone exposure limits.” Summed up: You can stop stressing about your phone giving you cancer.
Still concerned? The FDA backs up this declaration within the report stating, “This determination is supported by the considerable body of peer-reviewed scientific publications as well as public registries of, for example, cancer rates that show a slight decrease in brain tumors despite the enormous increase in cell phone use over the last two decades.”
Related: Apple & Samsung Have Just Been Sued Over Mobile Phone Radiation Levels — What Do We Really Know About Smartphones and Cancer Risk?
The only cause for concern highlighted by the FDA came for “heavy” users of cell phones. Some of the studies analyzed found a possible link between “heavy” cell phone use and some tumors. With that said, there was no clear pattern to the results and the studies were seen to have some flaws and inaccuracies so no need to get worried.
Another interesting phenomenon debunked in the report comes from those who self-identify as having electromagnetic hypersensitivity, which occurs when the individual believes they are being exposed to radio frequency energy. “Based on the available scientific evidence, their very real symptoms are not the result of radio frequency exposures,” the FDA said. “Many studies have been done to determine if participants can determine if they are being exposed to radio frequency or a sham exposure. The results indicate people cannot sense when they are being exposed to radio frequency.”
5G Frequencies Are Considered Safe—For Now
As the strength of network frequencies increase, some people are also worried about any potential cancer risks going up with them. As of now the FDA reports that 5G is safe for use: “While many of the specifics of 5G remain ill-defined, it is known that 5G cell phones will use frequencies covered by the current FCC exposure guidelines, and the conclusions reached based on the current body of scientific evidence covers these frequencies.” The administration goes on to say that it will continue to monitor any scientific information produced about the potential impact that 5G can bring and will report on it.
Related: No, Your AirPods Won’t Give You Cancer (Despite All The Scaremongering)
Misinformation
While the lack of a link between cell phones and cancer has been proven over and over again, people are still suspicious. The third annual National Cancer Opinion Survey, conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in collaboration with the Harris Poll, questioned over 4,000 people over the age of 18 about their attitudes and beliefs regarding cancer, including cancer prevention and risk. Researchers found that 16% of Americans believe that cell phones can cause cancer.
Related: The Epidemic of Fake Cancer News Online: New Evidence of Rampant Misleading Information That Can Cost Lives
Sixty-six percent of people surveyed said they agreed with the statement,“I’m not sure which sources to trust when it comes to information about what causes cancer.” And the same two-thirds of people agreed with the statement, “When it comes to information about what causes cancer, I don’t know what to believe.” With so much information out there, it’s hard to know what’s fact or fiction. This is exactly why a widespread examination of all the studies out there is so important for the FDA, a trusted source of information, to do.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Sarah Fielding is a reporter for SurvivorNet. You can follow her on Twitter at @sarahfielding_. Read More
The FDA finds no link between cell phones and cancer
- The FDA reviewed relevant studies published between January 1, 2008 and August 1, 2018, determining that there was no link between cell phones and cancer.
- Even as frequencies increase to 5G, the safety of cell phones remains.
While it’s not uncommon to hear someone warn about links between cell phones and cancer, a new
report from the FDA reconfirms there is no proven connection between the two. In a review of relevant studies published between January 1, 2008 and August 1, 2018, the FDA determined that “the available epidemiological and cancer incidence data continues to support the Agency’s determination that there are no quantifiable adverse health effects in humans caused by exposures at or under the current cell phone exposure limits.” Summed up: You can
stop stressing about your phone giving you cancer.
Still concerned? The FDA backs up this declaration within the report stating, “This determination is supported by the considerable body of peer-reviewed scientific publications as well as public registries of, for example, cancer rates that show a slight decrease in brain tumors despite the enormous increase in cell phone use over the last two decades.”
Read More Related: Apple & Samsung Have Just Been Sued Over Mobile Phone Radiation Levels — What Do We Really Know About Smartphones and Cancer Risk?The only cause for concern highlighted by the FDA came for “heavy” users of cell phones. Some of the studies analyzed found a possible link between “heavy” cell phone use and some tumors. With that said, there was no clear pattern to the results and the studies were seen to have some flaws and inaccuracies so no need to get worried.
Another interesting phenomenon debunked in the report comes from those who self-identify as having electromagnetic hypersensitivity, which occurs when the individual believes they are being exposed to radio frequency energy. “Based on the available scientific evidence, their very real symptoms are not the result of radio frequency exposures,” the FDA said. “Many studies have been done to determine if participants can determine if they are being exposed to radio frequency or a sham exposure. The results indicate people cannot sense when they are being exposed to radio frequency.”
5G Frequencies Are Considered Safe—For Now
As the strength of network frequencies increase, some people are also worried about any potential cancer risks going up with them. As of now the FDA reports that 5G is safe for use: “While many of the specifics of 5G remain ill-defined, it is known that 5G cell phones will use frequencies covered by the current FCC exposure guidelines, and the conclusions reached based on the current body of scientific evidence covers these frequencies.” The administration goes on to say that it will continue to monitor any scientific information produced about the potential impact that 5G can bring and will report on it.
Related: No, Your AirPods Won’t Give You Cancer (Despite All The Scaremongering)
Misinformation
While the lack of a link between cell phones and cancer has been proven over and over again, people are still suspicious. The third annual National Cancer Opinion Survey, conducted by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in collaboration with the Harris Poll, questioned over 4,000 people over the age of 18 about their attitudes and beliefs regarding cancer, including cancer prevention and risk. Researchers found that 16% of Americans believe that cell phones can cause cancer.
Related: The Epidemic of Fake Cancer News Online: New Evidence of Rampant Misleading Information That Can Cost Lives
Sixty-six percent of people surveyed said they agreed with the statement,“I’m not sure which sources to trust when it comes to information about what causes cancer.” And the same two-thirds of people agreed with the statement, “When it comes to information about what causes cancer, I don’t know what to believe.” With so much information out there, it’s hard to know what’s fact or fiction. This is exactly why a widespread examination of all the studies out there is so important for the FDA, a trusted source of information, to do.
Learn more about SurvivorNet's rigorous medical review process.
Sarah Fielding is a reporter for SurvivorNet. You can follow her on Twitter at @sarahfielding_. Read More
