Cellular Phone Use and Possible Risk of Cancer in Children and Adolescents: An Integrative Literature Review

Cellular Phone Use and Possible Risk of Cancer in Children and Adolescents: An Integrative Literature Review

Sarah Navarro

Faculty Sponsor: Elizabeth Hartman, PhD

Abstract

Background: Prolonged use of wireless devices may be correlated to the development of cancer, especially in children and adolescents. Certain factors contribute to an increased risk of radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure when putting the phone next to their ear, which is targeted near the brain.

Objectives: This integrative literature review was conducted to investigate and fill in the knowledge gap regarding the possible risk of cancer development associated with children and adolescents through prolonging their use of cellular devices.

Methods: This integrative literature review was conducted using keywords “cellular phone, cellular device, children, tumor, and cancer” to search the literature between 2005 and 2016.

Results: Eight studies have revealed there is no association between cellular phone use and adverse health risks. Regular mobile device users were not likely to develop cancer compared to nonusers.

Conclusions: Overall, studies used for this integrative review have revealed prolonged cellular device use does not cause a risk of cancer in children and adolescents. Many limitations of studies may have interfered with revealing concrete results, thus, further research must be conducted. With inconclusive evidence in multiple studies, we must be cautious with the use of mobile phones. Patient education is crucial, especially for children and adolescents who constantly use cellular devices.

Keywords: cellular phone, cellular device, children, tumor, cancer