Can electronic gadgets cause brain tumors?

The increasing use of electronic gadgets in the modern world of technology has led to serious concerns about the health of individuals as it leads to serious chronic diseases. Gadgets, whenever used, emit electromagnetic fields (EMF) which are harmful and, if emitted in excessive amounts, increase health risks. These EMFs can lead to hormonal problems and diseases such as leukemia and cancer. They also include the possibility of developing brain tumors if the EMF reaches its maximum level.

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The Science Behind Gadgets and Brain Tumors

A 20-year population-based study of Taiwanese residents found a weak positive association between mobile phone use and malignant brain tumor (MNB) incidence and mortality. The average annual percentage change in smartphone use increased by 63.4 per 100,000 persons, and the number of brain cancer cases and deaths increased by 9.1 and 62 per 100,000 persons, respectively, over the 20-year period in Taiwan. The estimated compound annual growth rates for smartphone use, brain cancer cases, and deaths were 1.95, 1.07, and 2.30, respectively, over the study period.

According to Dr. Bhavna Bansal, Senior Consultant and Head of Histopathology at Oncquest Laboratories, “As mentioned above, electronic devices emit electromagnetic fields that occur naturally in the environment and are also created when wireless networks and power lines are used through these devices. They consist of electrical and magnetic energy with varying frequencies and wavelengths. Among all other types of radiation, radiofrequency radiation is harmful as it can cause direct damage to a person’s DNA and affect body tissues (including the brain), leading to serious health issues.”

IARC Interphone Study

Since brain tumors and electronic gadgets are cited as one of the causes, many studies have been conducted to see if they are somehow related. Similarly, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) conducted a study called INTERPHONE, which aimed to decipher the link between brain tumors and mobile phones (as an electronic device). However, the study did not reach such a strong conclusion regarding brain tumors related to mobile phone use, unless prolonged excessive screen time is observed. IARC states that radiofrequency radiation may be possibly carcinogenic to humans, causing certain types of brain tumors such as glioma; seeing this as not meaning that they definitely cause cancer.

How to diagnose a brain tumor

A brain tumor is a serious disease with dangerous consequences that must be diagnosed in time with the utmost perfection. Its diagnosis usually includes a neurological examination, brain scans and biopsy, if possible. The examination evaluates neurological functions such as balance, hearing, vision and reflexes.

Imaging techniques such as CT, MRI, angiography, or X-rays are used to identify the tumor and assess brain function. If a biopsy is not possible, doctors diagnose the tumor and plan treatment based on the results of other tests. Other tests may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as a lumbar puncture, evoked potential studies, neurocognitive assessment, neuro-ophthalmological examination, and endocrine evaluation. A correct diagnosis is crucial to determining the best course of treatment.

To go

Considering all the above information, it is safe to take preventive measures to mitigate the risk of brain tumors due to electronic gadgets. Electromagnetic fields are dangerous when the body receives them in excessive amounts. Individuals can limit their exposure to electronic devices. When devices are not in use, direct contact with the body can be avoided, such as hair dryers, by allowing hair to dry naturally or by putting phones in a bag rather than in a pocket. The spread of brain tumors due to electronic devices can be avoided by balancing their use with breaks that allow for physical activity for the well-being of the body.