Connection between excessive cellphone use, brain cancer

THE coronavirus global pandemic, along with its associated medical, social and economic disruptions, has redefined cellphone use by individuals, with new practices such as social distancing and spending more time indoors having inevitably led to excessive cellphone use.

As a result, questions about the safety of these common devices have arisen.

Cellphone radiation

Cellphones emit a form of nonionising radiation called radio-frequency which does not have enough energy to break DNA and cause mutations which result in cancer. When using a cellphone, tissues of the user will absorb a part of this radiation, that is, the callers’ hands, ears, scalp and brain.

The closer the tissue is to the antenna the more radiation absorbed, but this only results in tissue heating. The levels of energy given off by cellphones are much lower and not enough to raise temperatures in the body.

Do cellphones cause brain cancer?

Because cellphones emit radiation and are usually held close to the head when calling, the main concern has been whether they might cause or contribute to tumours. It is important to note that there has been no evidence that cancers associated with cellphones are on the increase. The rates have stayed pretty stable over the last decade. If cellphones really did cause brain tumours, you would expect to see a lot more cases since mobile devices were invented.

What does research say?

The primary connection between cellphones and cancer is controversial. Many studies on the link between cellphone use and cancer done over the years have yielded conflicting results. A series of recent studies do not tell the entire story.

In summary, most studies published so far have not found a link between cellphone use and the development of tumours. Several international agencies have evaluated the cancer-causing potential of cellphones.

In general, they agree that the evidence of a possible link is limited and more research is needed to look at possible long-term effects. It often takes many years between the use of a new cancer-causing agent and the observation of an increase in cancer risk.

What can cellphone users do to reduce exposure to radio-frequency energy?

Research is still underway, so in the meantime as we continue to use our cellphones, it is better to be safe than sorry. Why risk good health by using our smartphones in not so smart ways?

Since most Zimbabweans have nomophobia (the fear of being without your phone) we need to adopt the following ways to reduce exposure to cellphone radiation:

Text or use a bluetooth, headset or speaker phone instead of calling. Turn your phone off at night Never put your phone in your pocket or bra

Use a defender shield case to cover your phone

Use your phone in conditions of optimum reception not in confined space, for example, elevator, basement, caravan, underground station

Equip yourself with a mobile phone with the lowest (SAR) specific absorption rate. The upper limit of SAR allowed is 1,6 watts per kilogramme of body weight

Use landlines to make phone calls

Try to use your phone when you have the maximum number of bars indicating the best reception because when the signal is poor your phone emits more radiation

As the fight against COVID-19 continues, let us bear in mind that May is the International Brain Cancer Awareness Month. Because of the widespread pandemic, patients may start to fear a COVID-19 diagnosis more than brain cancer.

As a result, potential brain cancer patients’ minds are now directed towards watching out for COVID-19 symptoms. It is my advice for the general population to be very aware of the COVID-19 symptoms and at the same time not to downplay the following signs and symptoms that may be suggestive of brain cancer.

New onset or change in the pattern of headaches.

Headaches that gradually become more frequent and severe. Unexplained nausea and vomit. Vision problems such as blurred vision, double vision, loss of peripheral vision.

Gradual loss of sensation or movement in an arm or leg. Difficulty with balance.

Speech difficulties

Personality or behavioural changes

Seizures

Hearing problems

Let us all join hands in the fight against COVID-19 and brain cancer.