Canberra: A recent study conducted by Australia's nuclear and radiation safety agency, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), has found no evidence linking mobile phone use to various types of cancer. The research, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published on Tuesday, examined the association between exposure to radio waves from mobile phones and the development of cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and cancers of the thyroid and oral cavity.
This marks the second systematic review commissioned by WHO and carried out by ARPANSA. The first review, published in September 2024, investigated the potential link between mobile phone usage and brain and other head cancers, also finding no evidence of increased risk.
Ken Karipidis, the lead author of both studies and Assistant Director of Health Impact Assessment at ARPANSA, emphasized that the latest research evaluated all available data on mobile phone and mobile tower exposure in relation to various cancers. While no association was found, Karipidis noted that the certainty of these findings is lower compared to the previous review on brain cancers. This is due to the limited amount of research available on the relationship between radio wave exposure and these specific cancer types.
ARPANSA scientist Rohan Mate, who contributed to the study, stated that the findings will contribute to a broader understanding of the impact of wireless technology on health. The research will also help shape an updated WHO assessment on the health effects of radio wave exposure.
Cancer remains a major global health concern. According to WHO, it is a large group of diseases that arise when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and spread beyond their usual boundaries, a process known as metastasis, which is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Among men, lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers are the most common, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and thyroid cancers are more prevalent among women.
The growing burden of cancer poses significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges for individuals, families, and healthcare systems worldwide. Many low- and middle-income countries, in particular, face difficulties in providing timely and effective cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The latest findings from ARPANSA provide reassurance that mobile phone use does not contribute to an increased cancer risk. However, researchers stress the need for continued monitoring and further studies to strengthen scientific understanding of long-term radio wave exposure. The WHO will incorporate these findings into its ongoing assessment of potential health risks associated with wireless technology.