World Brain Tumor Day, observed every year on June 8, is dedicated to educating people about brain tumors and drawing public attention toward this critical health issue.

Kozhikode: The Global Cancer Observatory 2022 report says that brain tumors rank 14th amongst all tumors in India, and cases are expected to increase soon. An important point to note is that the incidence is almost the same between men and women. Certain types of brain tumors, such as medulloblastomas, are more commonly diagnosed in children, and so it is ranked the second leading cause of cancer-related death in children globally.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), brain tumors account for approximately 2 per cent of all cancers in the country. It is estimated that around 30,000 new cases of brain tumors are diagnosed in India each year.

World Brain Tumor Day, observed every year on June 8, is dedicated to educating people about brain tumors and drawing public attention toward this critical health issue. One of the major hazards is also the myths related to brain tumors and the urgent need to debunk them, one of which is that smartphones cause brain tumors.

Speaking on this, Dr Balaji BS, Consultant - Neurology & Epileptology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bengaluru, said that with mobile phones increasingly becoming a part of our lives, concerns about their long-term use have also increased, especially the one that connects mobile phone use to tumors in the brain.

“It is a concern, but let's put the record straight: current scientific evidence today does not confirm that mobile phone use causes brain tumors. The concern stems from the fact that smartphones emit a type of non-ionizing radiation known as radiofrequency (RF) energy. Unlike ionizing radiation (like X-rays), RF energy doesn’t have enough power to damage DNA or cause cancer. Think of it more like the type of energy used in microwaves — not ideal for your popcorn if misused, but not a brain-cell destroyer either,” he added.

Other studies have consistently found no clear link between regular mobile phone use and increased risk of brain tumors such as gliomas or meningiomas, the doctor said. “In fact, with mobile usage skyrocketing over the past two decades, brain tumor rates have remained largely unchanged,” he added.

However, why does the myth persist? One reason this myth persists is fear of the unknown.

Dr BS says that the brain is delicate and vital, and anything near it, especially technology, can trigger anxiety. “However, baseless worries can lead to unnecessary panic. That said, it is always advised to use your phone wisely. Limit screen time, use speakerphone or earbuds if you’re on calls for long durations, and avoid excessive nighttime scrolling. In short, while smartphones may creep into and disrupt our sleep schedule or attention spans, causing brain tumors is not a side effect. Let’s stop the fear-mongering and start focusing on digital habits that impact our health,” he stated.

Source: Mathrubhumi English.