Epidemiological Study (case-control study)

Case-control study on radiology work, medical x-ray investigations, and use of cellular telephones as risk factors for brain tumors. epidemiol.

PubMed Entry

Journal web site

Aim of study (according to author)
In this study, further analyses on the database of a Swedish case-control study (see publication 1015) were performed on the risk of brain tumours and the use of cellular telephones, exposure to ionizing radiation and chemicals.
Background/further details:
Furthermore, there is an additional, similar analysis on the database of the same case-control study (publication 1015) in publication 9009.

Endpoint/type of risk estimation

• brain tumor

Exposure

• mobile communication system, analog mobile phone, digital mobile phone, GSM, NMT, magnetic field, 50/60 Hz (AC), PC/TV monitor, personal exposure, non-EMF exposure
• type of exposure: occupational, personal
• assessment by questionnaire (use of cellular phone during leisure time and in occupations, years, mean number of minutes of daily use, type (analog and digital), use of hands-free devices, use in car with fixed external antenna, ear most frequently used during calls)
• assessment by interview (supplementing data)
• assessment by calculation (cumulative use in hours)

Population

• case group
  men and women, aged from 20 to 80 years
  diagnosis: brain tumor, histopathologically verified
  observation period: 1994 - 1996
  study location: Sweden (Uppsala-Örebro region, Stockholm region)
  source of data: Oncological Centres
  exclusion criteria: deceased, too ill, recurrent tumor
  
  
• control group
  selection: population-based
  matching: sex, age, area, 1:2 (case:control)
  

Study size	cases	controls
number eligible	270	-
number contacted	233	466
number participating	217	439
number available for analysis	209	425

Statistical analysis using multivariate analysis

Results/conclusion (according to author)
Only results concerning exposure to electromagnetic fields are listed within the EMF-Portal.
No association was found with occupations with potential exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (eg., electrician, electronics work, lineman, or telecommunication work) and the risk for brain tumor. The use of a video display unit did not increase the risk. An increased risk for brain tumor was found for ipsilateral use of cellular phone in the anatomic area with highest microwave dose.

Limitations (according to author): The result for cellular phone exposure is based on low numbers (13 cases) and must be interpreted with caution.

(Study character: epidemiological study, case-control study)

Study funded by

• Cancer och Allergifonden (Cancer and Allergy Foundation), Sweden
• Örebro Cancer Fund, Sweden
• Swedish Medical Research Council (SMRC), Sweden

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