Doctors from the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre say that smartphones could be a leading cause in the development of brain tumours.
Marking World Brain Tumour Day on May 8, doctors raised concern on the increased obsession with cell phones. They stated that radiation from these cell phones, known as the Radiofrequency Radiation (RFR), have the ability to penetrate the human body and damage DNA.
"In 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) had classified cell phone radiation as a possible 2B carcinogen. Tissues nearest to the cell phone antenna absorb the wireless energy, which can result in several types of neurological issues including neoplasm, acoustic neuroma, and increase the risk of various types of cancers," said Dr. A K Sahani, Head of Department, Neurology, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre.
"Over-use of cell phones affects overall energy levels, attitudes, emotional and psychological behaviour, and body metabolism," he added.
The amount of RF energy exposure is also related to the way a smartphone is used. Phones on speaker mode and hands-free are suggested by the doctors, as this distances the radiation from the head.
As cell phones are mainly used near the ears and head, the carcinogenic radiations can penetrate inside and contribute to tumours including malignant (cancerous) brain tumours such as gliomas. To avoid this, Doctor Sahani suggested that a person stays in the real world as much as possible and establish natural sleep patterns.
"Use of mobile phones can increase the risk of a brain tumour by 1.65 times more in people," Doctor Anita Jagetia, Professor and Senior Neurosurgeon, at G B Pant Hospital said.
Brain tumours are the third leading cause of death due to malignancy in the world. An estimated 100,000 people suffer from brain tumours in India every year, 20 percent of this are children between the ages of four and 19.
Symptoms can be common headache, fits, impaired hearing, decreased vision, or dysfunction of body parts. Doctors say that the tumour generally comes slowly and progresses over months before the diagnosis can be established.
