Epidemiological study (observational study)

A Meta-Analysis on the Relationship between Exposure to ELF-EMFs and the Risk of Female Breast Cancer epidem.

By: Chen Q, Lang L, Wu W, Xu G, Zhang X, Li T, Huang H

Published in: PLoS One 2013; 8 (7): e69272

Aim of study (acc. to author)

A meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) and the development of female breast cancer.

Further details

Following 23 studies were included in the meta-analysis: Vena et al 1991, Loomis et al 1994, Vena et al 1994, Coogan et al 1996, Li et al 1997, Coogan et al 1998, Gammon et al 1998, Feychting et al 1998, Zheng et al 2000, McElroy et al 2001, Wjingaarden et al 2001, Davis et al 2002, Kabat et al 2003 (including two different series of cases and controls), Schoenfeld et al 2003, Kliukiene et al 2003, Labreche et al 2003, London et al 2003, Zhu et al 2003, Kliukiene et al 2004, Forssen et al 2000, Forssen et al 2005, and McElroy et al 2007.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

breast cancer

Type of risk estimation:

incidence

(odds ratio (OR))

Exposure

- 50/60 Hz
- magnetic field
- power transmission line
- inhouse wiring
- electric blanket
- other domestic appliance
- occupational
- residential
- personal

Population

Characteristics: female breast cancer
Observation period: 1960 - 2002
Study location: USA, Sweden, Norway, Canada, Taiwan

Statistical analysis method:

quality effect model, heterogeneity test, Funnel plot

Results (acc. to author)

Overall, an association between exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields and the development of female breast cancer was observed (OR 1.07, CI 1.02-1.13). Further analysis of the subgroups showed increased risks for the estrogen receptor positive subgroup (OR 1.11, CI 1.03-1.20) and for the premenopausal subgroup (OR 1.11, CI 1.00-1.23). The results of other subgroups showed no significant association between extremely low frequency magnetic fields and female breast cancer.
The authors conclude that exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields might be related to an increased risk for female breast cancer, especially for premenopausal and estrogen receptor positive females.

Study funded by

Key Project of the National Eleventh-Five Year Research Program of China
National Health Standard Enacting Program of China

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