The Cell Phones And Cancer Link

The International Agency for Research on Cancer is a very reliable source. It is affiliated with the World Health Organization. I believe that the World Health Organization, WHO, provides some of the most unbiased research information available. They are not associated with any one country or system of medicine. They address concerns among diverse populations, such as people from third world countries with minimal technology to high tech, cutting edge societies. As a result, I believe that the WHO is often able to identify risks and benefits of health related topics from a well rounded point of view.

Regarding cell phones, the WHO division, International Agency for Research on Cancer, considers radiofrequency fields as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. They purport that radiofrequency waves may influence the immune system, genes, protein, stress, cell activity, and the blood brain barrier. While the researchers admit that the evidence is limited and that the effects are weak, these effects have the potential to have enormous impact on the human body. Several of these effects are involved in the development of cancer.

The American Cancer Society’s position is that there may be some risk between cell phone use and cancer; however, more research is needed.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) suggest that studies do not show a link between cancer and cell phone use. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acknowledges that some studies indicate that cell phone use may have health implications; however, the research does not clearly indicate a link between cell phones and illness.

Fortunately, many studies are ongoing. Some very large studies are examining the long term effects of cell phone use. At least one is specifically investigating the effects of cell phones and the health of children. Theoretically, children could be at higher risk of cancer or other illnesses due to their immature brains and smaller body size. In addition, they will likely be exposed to the energy emitted by cell phones for longer periods of time than adults.

Until research makes a definitive statement, use cell phones only when a land line is unavailable. Limit the time spent talking on them. Use a hands free device. Keep abreast of current research regarding technology available to limit exposure.

Author

This article was written for Insights-on-Health.com in Oct 2013 by Patricia Bratianu RN PhD RH-AHG. Patricia has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years in a wide variety of settings. As a Registered Nurse, she realized that conventional healthcare was not meeting the needs of all patients. She became an herbalist and obtained a PhD in Natural Health. Patricia is a professional member of the American Herbalist’s Guild, passing the stringent peer reviewed process to become a Registered Herbalist.

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