Study: No Increased Cancer Risk with Mobile Phones

A new study by the British Institute of Cancer Research has concluded that mobile phones do not raise the risk of cancer, at least in the first 10 years of use.

"The results of our study suggest there is no substantial risk in the first decade after starting use," Anthony Swerdlow of the Institute said. The research used and studied data from five European countries and more than 4,000 people, and contradicted researches that linked an increased risk of tumors with mobile phone use.

But scientists noted on Tuesday that they could not rule out higher risk over a longer period.

The study, published in the British Journal of Cancer, focused on the risk of acoustic neuroma (which are benign tumors which grow in the nerve) close to where handsets are held and then which connects the ear and inner ear to the brain.

The researchers found no relation between the risk of acoustic neuroma and the number of years for which the mobile phones had been used, the time since first use, total hours of use or total number of calls.

"This study provides further evidence that using mobile phones does not increase the risk of brain tumors. However, it is important that researchers continue to monitor phone users over the coming years as mobiles are still a relatively new invention," BBC quoted Dr Julie Sharp, senior science information officer at Cancer Research, UK, as saying.

Scientists have said it may not be a good idea for children to use the phones for long periods because their brains are still developing, according to the AP.

The research was led by Sir William Stewart for the UK government.

--Tina Sims from wire reports.