Radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones and the risk of breast cancer: A multicenter case-control study with an additional suspected comparison group.

BACKGROUND

The rapid global increase in mobile phone use has raised concerns about the potential long-term health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. While most studies have focused on brain tumors, evidence regarding breast cancer remains limited. The objective of the study is to examine the association between mobile phone use and breast cancer risk among women in Iran.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this multicenter case-control study, 226 women were recruited from diagnostic, mammography, and radiotherapy centers across Iran and classified as controls (no history of breast cancer, n = 97), suspected cases (advised to undergo mammography due to breast-related complaints or physician recommendation, n = 52), and confirmed cases (histologically verified invasive breast cancer, n = 77). Structured questionnaires collected demographic, reproductive, lifestyle, and environmental data, including mobile phone call duration, screen time, and phone placement. Associations were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression, adjusting sequentially for demographic, reproductive, environmental, and lifestyle variables.

RESULTS

In fully adjusted models, women reporting more than 60 min of daily mobile phone conversations had higher odds of confirmed breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 3.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-11.97) and suspected status (OR = 10.84, 95% CI: 2.29-51.41) compared with those using phones <10 min daily. Longer screen time (>4 h/day), later age at menarche, lower education level, and exposure to environmental pollutants were also associated with increased odds.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged mobile phone use was associated with higher odds of breast cancer, but this does not imply causation. Given self-reported exposures and potential residual confounding, findings should be interpreted cautiously. Larger prospective studies with objective exposure assessment are warranted.