What you may have heard
Keeping your phone close to your body or head can increase your risk of cancer.
What science tells us
Phones emit RF (Radiofrequency) waves, which are a form of non-ionizing radiation. This means that they do not have enough energy to directly damage DNA inside cells and cause cancer (ACS, NCI). The closer the phone is held to the body, the greater the expected exposure to RF waves. Many other factors affect the amount of energy a person is exposed to, such as:
- amount of time a person is on the phone and the nearness of the cell phone to the user’s body (e.g., head);
- distance and path to the nearest cell tower: the farther the distance from the nearest cell tower, the more energy is required to maintain the signal;
- amount of cell traffic in the area at a time: the more traffic, the more energy is required to maintain the signal; and
- model of phone being used.
Epidemiological Evidence
Many studies have evaluated whether there is a link between cell phone usage and cancer, however, the results are not conclusive (NCI). Most international organizations deem cell phone usage to be at most only a potential risk to cancer and at the least, insufficient evidence to comment.
Laboratory Evidence
Currently, there is no laboratory evidence linking cell phone use to increased risk of cancer.
IARC Carcinogen Classification:
Group 3 (Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans: Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields).
How to reduce your risk
It is not clear whether decreasing the amount of time spent on the cell phone (ACS), using the speaker mode or a hands-free device, or texting instead of talking on the phone would decrease cancer risk. Although studies are inconclusive, decreasing your exposure to RF waves will lessen the chances that you are increasing your cancer risk.
Bottom line
RF waves used in cell phones do not have enough energy to damage DNA, so this mechanism is not likely to cause cancer. However, there is insufficient evidence to conclude a link between cancer risk and cell phone use.
To watch a short related video on wireless and bluetooth technology and cancer risk, click play on the video below.