A new study published in the Fortune Journal of Health Sciences by Dr. Lennart Hardell and researcher Michael Carlberg reported an association between prostate cancer and exposure to the radiofrequency (RF) radiation emitted by cell phones.
In short:
- The increased risk was found in men with long-term cell phone use lasting over 10 years or more than 2,000 hours.
- The highest risk was found in men with a family history of prostate cancer combined with wireless phone use, for both cell phones and cordless phones.
- The risk associated with wireless exposure was notably higher among patients diagnosed with more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
- These findings align with a large UK study also linking prostate cancer to cell phone use, and parallel the results from the U.S. National Toxicology Program, where male rats exposed to cell phone radiation developed brain and heart tumors as well as proliferative lesions in the prostate (abnormal growths that can be precursors to cancer).
Key quote:
“In conclusion this study showed an increased risk for prostate cancer associated with use of mobile or cordless phones. The risk increased with latency and cumulative use in hours.”
Why this matters:
This research expands on the body of scientific evidence linking cell phone radiation to cancer. Multiple studies have reported increased risks of brain cancer in people with long-term cell phone use particularly on the side of the head where the phone is held, and several scientists now conclude that cell phone radiation can cause cancer. Yale research funded by the American Cancer Society found increased thyroid cancer in people with genetic susceptibility. However, U.S. regulations remain outdated and many experts caution that federal safety limits are not sufficient to protect public health.
Hardell, Lennart & Carlberg, Michael for Fortune Journal of Health Sciences vol. 8, 2. April 4, 2025
Related EHN coverage:
- WHO’s review on cell phone radiation and cancer cannot assure safety, renowned experts say
- New study finds chromosomal changes in residents living near cell phone towers
More resources:
- Safety Tips for Reducing Cell Phone and Wireless Radiation Exposure
- Doctors and Scientists on Cell Phone Radiation
- Lawn care chemicals linked to prostate cancer risk, new study shows ›
- Decades of pesticide use in the French Caribbean linked to high prostate cancer rates ›
- Study finds long-term cell phone use impacts a salivary gland - EHN ›
- Cell phone radiation impacts hormone levels and ovary development in rats - EHN ›
