This mega-study reshapes the understanding of cancer risk associated with smartphone usage

Are mobile phone waves dangerous for our brains? The latest scientific findings seem to quell these concerns.

A comprehensive study, commissioned by the WHO and conducted by Australian researchers, appears to settle the debate: the risk of brain cancer does not seem to be increased by prolonged mobile phone use.


More than 5,000 scientific studies, conducted over a period of more than twenty-eight years, were meticulously reviewed to evaluate the potential risks of mobile phones. This task was assigned to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. A thorough review of the publications and results from these studies revealed no significant link between mobile phone use and cancers in the head or neck regions.

Professor Ken Karipidis, who led this research, highlights that even heavy phone usage does not seem to increase the risks of brain tumors. The team focused on brain cancers, meningiomas, pituitary tumors, ear cancers, and salivary gland tumors.

Back in 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) had classified mobile phone radiation as a "possible carcinogen." This classification was based on studies that suggested a potential risk for heavy users. However, no formal link was ever established. According to Prof. Karipidis, the methods used back then had several biases. Specifically, individuals who had developed brain tumors tended to overestimate their exposure to phone waves, thus skewing the results.

In France, the Health Security Agency (ANSES) has likewise not identified any link between mobile phone use, including 5G, and health effects. Moreover, safety standards have reduced the amount of radiation emitted by these devices since the 2000s. Researchers continue to investigate other types of cancers less associated with radio waves, such as leukemia and lymphoma. However, the current findings provide reassurance for users.