Using a mobile phone for just half an hour a day could raise the risk of brain cancer by up to

40 per cent, a controversial study has suggested.

Those who used the devices the most over ten years were more likely to be diagnosed with
brain tumours, according to the World Health Organisation research.
But the results are sure to confuse people as they also suggested mobile phones made people
less susceptible to tumours.
The researchers quizzed 5,000 people with brain tumours, and a similar number of healthy
adults, about how often they used mobile phones in the past decade.
And the 16.5million Interphone study failed to find a link, the International Journal of
Epidemiology reported.
It said heavy users those who used phones for a least half an hour a day were 40 per cent
more likely to develop glioma, an aggressive brain cancer.
They had 15 per cent higher chance of meningioma, another common cancer of the organ, it
added.
But the British scientists involved in the study said these figures were flawed and urged
people not to worry.
Some of those who took part claimed they used their mobile for more than 12 hours a day ten
years ago something which was incredibly implausible but is likely to have skewed the
results.
In addition, growths on the brain can affect memory.
Professor Anthony Swerdlow, of the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said: The
balance of evidence from this study, and in the previously existing scientific literature, does
not suggest a causal link between mobile phone use and risk of brain tumours.
This study does not give reason for precautionary measures.
However, others were less quick to dismiss the findings.
Professor Elisabeth Cardis, the studys lead author, said: We cant just conclude that there is
no effect.
There are indications of a possible increase. Were not sure that it is correct. It could be due
to bias, but the indications are sufficiently strong to be concerned.

Dr Christopher Wild, director of the WHOs cancer research arm, called for more research
into mobile phone use and brain cancer.
The results dont allow us to conclude that there is any risk with mobile phone use, but it is
also premature to say there is no risk associated with it, he added.
Professor Denis Henshaw, a Bristol University radiation experts, said: Children are known to
be more vulnerable and we need to take action to protect them.
The challenge now is how we respond. Burying our heads in the sand is asking for trouble.
WiredChild charity called for health warnings to be placed on mobile phone packaging.
But John Cooke, executive director of the Mobile Operators Association, which represents the
industry, said: The conclusion of no increased risk is consistent with the significant existing
body of research reporting no health risk from using mobile phones