Studies link cell phones to breast and thyroid cancer

In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified radiofrequency radiation, the type used in smartphones and laptops, as a “possible human carcinogen.” Now, two new studies may confirm they were right on the money, at least when it comes to two common cancers that have increased dramatically over the past few years.

Breast cancer in the shape of a cellphone

The first cancer that has now been shown in a scientific study to have a link to radiofrequency (RF) radiation is breast cancer.

In fact, according to a study out of Taiwan, RF radiation “significantly increases the risk of breast cancer, especially in women 50 and older who use cell phones and laptop computers.”

And their study in the Journal of Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine points out that studies have also demonstrated that exposure to RF radiation can promote the formation of reactive oxygen species, DNA strand breakage, rupture of mitochondrial membranes and cell death — all of which can kick off the breast cancer cascade.

In a report for the Public News Service, breast cancer surgeon, Dr. John West, says that these findings come as no surprise to him. He has already treated breast cancer in multiple teen girls who developed the disease thanks to their habit of tucking their smartphones into their bras.

He said that in one case, the cancer grew in “almost the shape of the cellphone.”

And men aren’t safe either, with cancer occurring due to carrying a phone in the breast pocket.

Rising incidence of thyroid cancer

The second type of cancer linked to that RF radiation from cell phones and laptops is cancer of the thyroid gland.

A study out of Sweden states, “During use of the handheld wireless phone, especially the smartphone, the thyroid gland is a target organ.”

And the research was able to link cellphone use to increasing rates of thyroid cancer in Nordic countries.

Understanding RF radiation so that you can protect yourself

So if RF radiation could lead to cancer, what exactly is it? And is there anything you can do to lower your cancer risk?

Here are the answers…

RF radiation is a type of low-frequency radiation, including radio waves and microwaves. It’s invisible and is emitted from your cellphone, wireless computer, other Wi-Fi sources, and yes — your microwave.

The American Cancer Society recommends protecting yourself from this type of radiation by:

• Limiting the time you spend close to appliances that give off the radiation, like Wi-Fi routers
• Reducing the amount of time you spend with a phone up against your body — including holding it to your ear, carrying it in your pocket or tucking it into your bra

And of course, since laptops emit the radiation as well, sitting with one on your lap should be on the “Not to do list.”

Sources:

The breast cancer epidemic: 10 facts — NCBI

THYROID CANCER – The increased incidence of thyroid cancer is worldwide — American Thyroid Association

Radiofrequency (RF) Radiation — American Cancer Society

New Studies Link Cell Phones to Breast and Thyroid Cancer Risk — Public News Service

Is the Increasing Incidence of Thyroid Cancer in the Nordic Countries Caused by Use of Mobile Phones? — MDPI

Exposure to radiofrequency radiation increases the risk of breast cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis — NCBI