Epidemiological Study (meta-analysis)

Cellular phone use and brain tumor: a meta-analysis. epidemiol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
A meta-analysis was conducted in the USA to examine the effect of cellular phone use and the risk of brain tumor. Following nine studies published between 2000 and 2006 were included: Auvinen et al. 2002, Christensen et al. 2005, Hepworth et al. 2005, Inskip et al. 2001, Lönn et al. 2004, Lönn et al. 2005, Muscat et al. 2000, Schoemaker et al. 2005, and Schüz et al. 2006.
Background/further details:
Only studies meeting all of the following criteria were included in the meta-analysis: 1) published in English, 2) case-control study design, 3) sufficient data so that the crude odds ratios could be derived, and 4) exposure to cellular phones was clearly defined.
Regular use of cellular phone was defined as at least one call per week for 6 months or more or as having a subscription to a cellular telephone service.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

• brain tumor: glioma, meningioma, and acoustic neuroma

Exposure

• mobile communication system, analog mobile phone, digital mobile phone, personal exposure
• type of exposure: personal
• assessment by interview

Population
Study group: men and women
Group characteristics: brain tumor
Observation period: 1994 - 2004
Study location: Europe, North America

Study size	cases	controls
number total	5,259	12,074

Statistical analysis using random effects method of DerSimonian and Laird, Mantel-Haenszel model

Results/conclusion (according to author)
No overall increased risk of brain tumors associated with cellular phone use was found. A slightly increased risk (OR 1.25; CI: 1.01-1.54) for patients with 10 or more years of exposure was observed. No increased risk was observed in analog or digital cellular telephone users.

(Study character: epidemiological study, meta-analysis)

Study funded by

• not stated/none

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