Cell Phones & Cancer

Research showing a link between cell phone use and cancer continues to mount. Though preliminary, it is of some concern, particularly in light of how many of us use cell phones and how often we use them. Most recently, researchers at Tel Aviv University (read the press release announcing the study here) compared what they defined as heavy cell phone users – those who used their cell phone a minimum of 8 hours per month – to non-users (how many of you only use your cell phone 8 hours per month?!?). Compared to the non-users, the heavy cell phone users had a significant increase in all salivary oxidative stress measurements studied. Damage caused by oxidative stress is linked to both genetic and cellular mutations, which can cause the development of tumors. Since it isn’t likely that any of us are going to ditch our cell phones, what can we do? Dr. Block has the following suggestions:

“Though the data is preliminary, I believe it is wise to use caution, and suggest we limit the amount of time we hold our cell phone to our ear and use either a Bluetooth or the speakerphone whenever possible. This is particularly true for teenagers and younger children, who will, presumably, be using this technology for many years to come, and whose growing and developing brain is more vulnerable. With the evidence to-date suggesting the potential for terrain disruption with increased oxidative stress, one might want to counterbalance this with a higher antioxidant diet and perhaps, careful supplementation.”   For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, call (847) 230-9107 or visit BlockMD.com.