Health News
by Zeena Dorai, M.D., FACS
Chief, Neurosurgery, Northwest Hospital; Director, Neuro-oncology, Sinai Hospital
Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute
Results of a 30-year Scandinavian study bring hopeful news for avid cellphone users. Researchers found no increase in certain types of brain cancer (gliomas and meningiomas) among nearly 6 million men and women in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden between 1974 and 2003.
Reported in a brief communication to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute , these results seem to dampen the speculation that a link exists between cellphone use and brain tumors.
Although the study notes a gradual increase in the incidence of brain tumors over time, the authors speculate that the cause likely has multiple factors, and may simply reflect an increase in diagnoses due to advances in technology. The study further reports no change in incidence of brain tumors during the sharp increase in cellphone usage during the 1990s.
However, the authors do note that the results of a second study ?leave open the possibility of a small to moderate increased risk for glioma among the heaviest users of mobile phones." Preliminary unpublished data from the INTERPHONE study, a 10-year case?control study of brain tumors conducted internationally by the World Health Organization, suggest that those who engage in extensive cellphone use do face a higher risk of developing brain tumors later in life. The lead investigator stated that the study report would include a ?public health message.?
It is clear that these results are not without controversy, and the bottom line is that the long-term effects of radiation from cellphone use are not certain. Nevertheless, some simple steps and common-sense practices can be taken to minimize the risks of radiation from cellphones:
1. Limit cellphone use and use land lines whenever possible.
2. Limit use of Bluetooth devices, which emit low-level radiation even when not in use.
3. Use a wired hands-free device.
4. Avoid carrying cell phones on your body.
5. Do not keep mobile phones close to you while you are sleeping.
6. Limit children?s use of cellular phones.
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Health News
Cellular Disconnect
by Zeena Dorai, M.D., FACS
Chief, Neurosurgery, Northwest Hospital; Director, Neuro-oncology, Sinai Hospital
Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute
Results of a 30-year Scandinavian study bring hopeful news for avid cellphone users. Researchers found no increase in certain types of brain cancer (gliomas and meningiomas) among nearly 6 million men and women in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden between 1974 and 2003.
Reported in a brief communication to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute , these results seem to dampen the speculation that a link exists between cellphone use and brain tumors.
Although the study notes a gradual increase in the incidence of brain tumors over time, the authors speculate that the cause likely has multiple factors, and may simply reflect an increase in diagnoses due to advances in technology. The study further reports no change in incidence of brain tumors during the sharp increase in cellphone usage during the 1990s.
However, the authors do note that the results of a second study ?leave open the possibility of a small to moderate increased risk for glioma among the heaviest users of mobile phones." Preliminary unpublished data from the INTERPHONE study, a 10-year case?control study of brain tumors conducted internationally by the World Health Organization, suggest that those who engage in extensive cellphone use do face a higher risk of developing brain tumors later in life. The lead investigator stated that the study report would include a ?public health message.?
It is clear that these results are not without controversy, and the bottom line is that the long-term effects of radiation from cellphone use are not certain. Nevertheless, some simple steps and common-sense practices can be taken to minimize the risks of radiation from cellphones:
1. Limit cellphone use and use land lines whenever possible.
2. Limit use of Bluetooth devices, which emit low-level radiation even when not in use.
3. Use a wired hands-free device.
4. Avoid carrying cell phones on your body.
5. Do not keep mobile phones close to you while you are sleeping.
6. Limit children?s use of cellular phones.
- Sinai Hospital: A Cyberknife® Leader
Since opening the CyberKnife® Center at the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute in 2003, Sinai Hospital has become recognized as a national leader in the treatment of pancreas, lung, spine, liver, brain and prostate tumors. More than 1,200 CyberKnife...
- Berman Brain & Spine Neurosurgeon Receives Honor
Richard North, M.D., a neurosurgeon at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute of LifeBridge Health, has received the North American Neuromodulation Society?s Lifetime Achievement Award. The society?s highest honor, this award is given...
- Sinai Named One Of U.s. News & World Report's 2009-2010 Best Hospitals
Sinai Hospital of Baltimore is ranked as one of the top hospitals in the country for neurology and neurosurgery, according to the U.S. News & World Report?s 2009-10 America?s Best Hospitals edition. Sinai ranked in the top 50 hospitals for the second...
- Migraine Treatments Available At Lifebridge Health
There?s no limit to what can trigger a headache. And when one strikes, there is no limit to how much time it can take away from work, family or fun. Headaches fall into two categories: primary headaches (including tension or migraine) and secondary...
- Sinai Hospital Uses Advanced Radiosurgery To Treat Tumors And Lesions
CyberKnife® Center at Sinai Hospital Since opening the CyberKnife® Center of the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute in 2003, Sinai Hospital has becomerecognized as a national leader in the treatment of pancreas, lung, spine, liver, brain and...