8,655 Studies Reviewed. 86.9% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
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Cancer & Tumors

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Key Finding: 79% of 738 studies on cancer & tumors found biological effects from EMF exposure.

Of 738 studies examining cancer & tumors, 79% found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure.

Lowest Documented Effect

Research found effects on cancer & tumors at exposures as low as:

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in Context0.00002, 0.0002, 0.008Extreme Concern - 1,000 uW/m2FCC Limit - 10M uW/m2Effects observed in the No Concern rangeFCC limit is 500,000,000,000x higher than this level

Research Overview

  • -Nearly four out of five studies examining the relationship between electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and cancer risk have documented measurable effects.
  • -Out of 738 total studies on this topic, 584 show evidence of cancer-related harm-a 79% concordance rate that reflects a substantial body of scientific concern.
  • -This isn't a marginal or disputed finding relegated to fringe research.

Nearly four out of five studies examining the relationship between electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and cancer risk have documented measurable effects. Out of 738 total studies on this topic, 584 show evidence of cancer-related harm-a 79% concordance rate that reflects a substantial body of scientific concern. This isn't a marginal or disputed finding relegated to fringe research.

Of the 738 studies in our Cancer & Tumors collection, 584 identified effects ranging from DNA damage and increased cancer cell proliferation to disrupted cellular repair mechanisms.

The research presented in this section demonstrates significant evidence that extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposures can cause DNA damage and genetic alterations relevant to leukemia development.

Source: BioInitiative Working Group. BioInitiative Report: A Rationale for Biologically-based Public Exposure Standards for Electromagnetic Radiation. Edited by Cindy Sage and David O. Carpenter, BioInitiative, 2012, updated 2020. www.bioinitiative.org

Showing 738 studies

Brain tumors and salivary gland cancers among cellular telephone users

Auvinen A, Hietanen M, Luukkonen R, Koskela R-S, · 2002

Finnish researchers studied 398 brain tumor patients and 34 salivary gland cancer patients from 1996 to see if cell phone use increased cancer risk. They found no overall link between cell phones and these cancers, but discovered a weak connection between brain tumors called gliomas and older analog cell phones. The researchers noted their study had significant limitations because they couldn't measure actual radiation exposure levels.

Cancer & Tumors149 citations

Long-term exposure of E-mu-Pim1 transgenic mice to 898.4 MHz microwaves does not increase lymphoma incidence

Utteridge TD et al. · 2002

Researchers exposed cancer-prone mice to cell phone radiation (898.4 MHz) for up to 2 years at various intensities to see if it increased lymphoma rates. They found no significant increase in cancer incidence at any exposure level, even in mice genetically predisposed to develop lymphomas. This study contradicted an earlier 1997 study that found increased cancer risk from similar radiofrequency exposure.

The effect of low level continuous 2.45 GHz waves on enzymes of developing rat brain.

Paulraj R, Behari J · 2002

Researchers exposed young rats to 2.45 GHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwave ovens) for 2 hours daily over 35 days at very low power levels. They found significant changes in brain chemistry, including disrupted calcium levels and altered enzyme activity that controls cell growth and development. The authors concluded these changes could promote tumor development in the developing brain.

Chronic electromagnetic field exposure decreases HSP70 levels and lowers cytoprotection.

Di Carlo A, White N, Guo F, Garrett P, Litovitz T. · 2002

Researchers exposed chick embryos to electromagnetic fields (both extremely low frequency and radio frequency) for 4 days and found that chronic exposure reduced levels of HSP70, a protective protein that helps cells survive stress. The EMF exposure made the embryos 27% less able to protect themselves against cellular damage. This suggests that daily EMF exposure, like what mobile phone users experience, could weaken the body's natural defense systems and potentially increase disease risk.

[Apoptosis of human lung carcinoma cell line GLC-82 induced by high power electromagnetic pulse]

Cao XZ, Zhao ML, Wang DW, Dong B. · 2002

Chinese researchers exposed human lung cancer cells to high-intensity electromagnetic pulses (60,000 volts per meter) and found that the pulses triggered cell death (apoptosis) in up to 13.38% of the cancer cells within 6 hours. The electromagnetic pulses altered key proteins that control cell survival, essentially programming the cancer cells to self-destruct. This research explores whether electromagnetic fields might have therapeutic potential against cancer.

Chronic Exposure to a GSM-like Signal (Mobile Phone) Does Not Stimulate the Development of DMBA-Induced Mammary Tumors in Rats: Results of Three Consecutive Studies.

Bartsch H et al. · 2002

Scientists tested whether cell phone radiation affects breast cancer development in rats across three studies. The radiation did not increase tumor rates or speed cancer growth overall. One study showed slightly delayed tumor development, but this wasn't repeated. Results suggest no clear cancer risk.

The influence of 1.2 microT, 60 Hz magnetic fields on melatonin- and tamoxifen-induced inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth

Unknown authors · 2001

EPA researchers tested whether 60 Hz magnetic fields at 1.2 microT could interfere with melatonin and tamoxifen's ability to inhibit breast cancer cell growth. They found that magnetic field exposure completely blocked melatonin's cancer-fighting effects and significantly reduced tamoxifen's effectiveness. This suggests power line frequency EMF may interfere with the body's natural cancer protection mechanisms.

Magnetic fields (MF) of 50 Hz at 1.2 microT as well as 100 microT cause uncoupling of inhibitory pathways of adenylyl cyclase mediated by melatonin 1a receptor in MF-sensitive MCF-7 cells

Unknown authors · 2001

Japanese researchers exposed breast cancer cells to 50 Hz magnetic fields at extremely low levels (1.2 microT and 100 microT) and found these fields disrupted melatonin's cancer-fighting signals. The magnetic fields prevented melatonin from properly inhibiting cellular pathways that normally help control cancer cell growth.

Cancer & Tumors523 citations

Increased breast cancer risk among women who work predominantly at night

Unknown authors · 2001

Danish researchers studied 7,035 women with breast cancer and found that those who worked predominantly at night had a 50% increased risk of developing breast cancer. The study tracked employment histories back to 1964 and found the risk increased with longer durations of nighttime work. This suggests disruption of natural circadian rhythms may contribute to cancer development.

The influence of 1.2 microT, 60 Hz magnetic fields on melatonin- and tamoxifen-induced inhibition of MCF-7 cell growth

Unknown authors · 2001

Researchers at the US Environmental Protection Agency found that extremely weak 60 Hz magnetic fields (1.2 microTesla) significantly reduced the cancer-fighting effects of both melatonin and tamoxifen on human breast cancer cells. The magnetic field exposure essentially blocked these protective compounds from slowing cancer cell growth.

Cancer & Tumors135 citations

Residential magnetic fields as a risk factor for childhood acute leukaemia: results from a German population-based case-control study

Unknown authors · 2001

German researchers measured 24-hour magnetic field exposure in 514 children with leukemia and 1,301 healthy children across former West Germany. They found children exposed to power-frequency magnetic fields above 0.2 microT had triple the leukemia risk, particularly from nighttime exposure. While only 1.5% of children had these higher exposures, the study adds to evidence linking residential magnetic fields to childhood leukemia.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Breast cancer, occupation, and exposure to electromagnetic fields among Swedish men

Unknown authors · 2001

Swedish researchers tracked 25,000+ male workers from 1971-1989 to investigate whether occupational electromagnetic field exposure increases breast cancer risk in men. They found machinery repairers had consistently elevated risk, while workers exposed to EMF levels above 0.12 microtesla showed a 31% increased risk. The study suggests intermittent high-variation EMF exposure patterns may pose greater risk than steady exposure.

Historical evidence that residential electrification caused the emergence of the childhood leukemia peak

Unknown authors · 2001

Researchers analyzed childhood leukemia rates from the 1920s-1950s and found that the characteristic peak in leukemia among 2-4 year olds emerged only after residential electrification reached 75% in different U.S. states. States with higher electrification rates showed 24% more childhood leukemia deaths for every 10% increase in homes with electricity. This suggests that residential power systems may have contributed to the modern childhood leukemia pattern.

Residential EMF exposure and childhood leukemia: meta-analysis and population attributable risk

Unknown authors · 2001

This 2001 meta-analysis reviewed multiple studies examining the link between residential magnetic field exposure and childhood leukemia. The analysis found evidence suggesting an association exists, with researchers estimating that magnetic field exposure could account for 175-240 cases of childhood leukemia annually in the United States. The study combined data from multiple previous investigations to provide a comprehensive assessment of this controversial health concern.

A meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies of electric and magnetic fields and breast cancer in women and men

Unknown authors · 2001

This 2001 meta-analysis examined 43 studies on electric and magnetic field exposure and breast cancer risk in both women and men. The research found a 12% increased breast cancer risk for women and a 37% increased risk for men exposed to EMF at work or home. However, the authors noted significant methodological problems with exposure measurement that limit definitive conclusions.

Population-based case-control study of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields and breast cancer

Unknown authors · 2001

Researchers studied 843 breast cancer patients and 773 healthy women to examine whether workplace electromagnetic field exposure increases breast cancer risk. They found little evidence that occupational EMF exposure causes breast cancer, though some slightly elevated risks appeared in specific subgroups. The study provides reassurance that typical workplace EMF exposure likely doesn't significantly increase breast cancer risk.

Magnetic fields (MF) of 50 Hz at 1.2 microT as well as 100 microT cause uncoupling of inhibitory pathways of adenylyl cyclase mediated by melatonin 1a receptor in MF-sensitive MCF-7 cells

Unknown authors · 2001

This study exposed breast cancer cells (MCF-7) to 50 Hz magnetic fields at two different strengths and found that both exposures disrupted the cancer-fighting effects of melatonin. The magnetic fields prevented melatonin from properly communicating with cells to slow their growth, potentially reducing the hormone's natural tumor-suppressing abilities.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and occupation in Sweden

Unknown authors · 2001

Swedish researchers tracked nearly 3 million workers for 19 years and found elevated rates of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among telecommunications workers, radio operators, and transport workers. The study documented 7,610 cases of this blood cancer, with the highest risks observed in occupations involving electromagnetic radiation exposure. The researchers specifically noted that EMF exposure could explain the increased cancer rates in these professions.

Cancer & Tumors322 citations

Review of the epidemiologic literature on EMF and Health

Unknown authors · 2001

This comprehensive 2001 review analyzed decades of epidemiological studies on extremely low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields from power lines and electrical devices. The researchers found the strongest evidence linking EMF exposure above 0.4 microT to childhood leukemia, with a doubled risk, though only 0.8% of children experience such exposures. While no causal relationship could be definitively established due to methodological limitations, the childhood leukemia association represents the most compelling evidence in EMF health research.

Leukemia mortality and incidence of infantile leukemia near the Vatican Radio Station of Rome

Unknown authors · 2001

Italian researchers studied leukemia rates near Vatican Radio Station, one of the world's most powerful radio transmitters (up to 600 kW). They found childhood leukemia rates were 217% higher than expected within 6 kilometers of the station, with risk decreasing as distance increased. The study provides evidence linking high-power radio frequency transmissions to increased cancer risk in nearby communities.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

The Effects of 860 MHz Radiofrequency Radiation on the Induction or Promotion of Brain Tumors and Other Neoplasms in Rats.

Zook BC, Simmens SJ, · 2001

Researchers exposed rats to 860 MHz radiofrequency radiation for up to 22 months to see if it could cause or accelerate brain tumors. The study found no statistically significant increase in brain tumors or other cancers from the RF exposure, even when combined with a known cancer-causing chemical. This was a large, well-controlled study using 900 rats with extensive tissue analysis.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Neoplastic Transformation in C3H 10T(1/2) Cells after Exposure to 835.62 MHz FDMA and 847.74 MHz CDMA Radiations.

Roti Roti JL et al. · 2001

Researchers exposed mouse cells to cell phone radiation at frequencies used by FDMA and CDMA networks (835-848 MHz) for 7 days to see if it would cause normal cells to become cancerous. They also tested whether this radiation could promote cancer development in cells already damaged by X-rays. The study found no increased cancer transformation in cells exposed to either type of cell phone radiation compared to unexposed cells.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Lack of effect of 94 GHz radio frequency radiation exposure in an animal model of skin carcinogenesis.

Mason PA et al. · 2001

Researchers exposed mice to 94 GHz millimeter wave radiation (the same frequency range used in some 5G networks) to see if it would promote skin cancer development. Even at very high power levels - 1000 times stronger than typical exposure limits - the radiation showed no effect on tumor formation or growth. This suggests that millimeter wave radiation at these frequencies does not act as a cancer promoter in skin tissue.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Cellular Telephones and Cancer-a Nationwide Cohort Study in Denmark.

Johansen C, Boice JD, McLaughlin JK, Olsen JH, · 2001

Danish researchers tracked over 420,000 cellular phone users from 1982 to 1995 and compared their cancer rates to the general population. They found cell phone users actually had lower overall cancer rates than expected, with no increased risk for brain tumors, salivary gland cancers, or leukemia. The study found no connection between phone use duration and cancer risk.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Repeated exposure of C3H/HeJ mice to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses: Lack of effects on mammary tumors.

Jauchem JR, Frei MR, Dusch SJ, Lehnert HM, Kovatch RM · 2001

Researchers exposed 100 cancer-prone mice to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses (extremely short bursts containing multiple frequencies) for 2 minutes weekly over 12 weeks, using field strengths of 40,000 volts per meter. The exposed mice showed no difference in mammary tumor development, growth rates, or survival compared to unexposed control mice. This study found no evidence that this type of pulsed electromagnetic exposure promotes cancer development in a well-established animal cancer model.

Learn More

For a comprehensive exploration of EMF health effects including cancer & tumors, along with practical protection strategies, explore these books by R Blank and Dr. Martin Blank.

FAQs: EMF & Cancer & Tumors

Nearly four out of five studies examining the relationship between electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure and cancer risk have documented measurable effects. Out of 738 total studies on this topic, 584 show evidence of cancer-related harm-a 79% concordance rate that reflects a substantial body of scientific concern. This isn't a marginal or disputed finding relegated to fringe research.
The SYB Research Database includes 738 peer-reviewed studies examining the relationship between electromagnetic field exposure and cancer & tumors. These studies have been conducted by researchers worldwide and published in scientific journals. The research spans multiple decades and includes various types of EMF sources including cell phones, WiFi, power lines, and other common sources of electromagnetic radiation.
79% of the 738 studies examining cancer & tumors found measurable biological effects from EMF exposure. This means that 584 studies documented observable changes in biological systems when exposed to electromagnetic fields. The remaining 21% either found no significant effects or had inconclusive results, which is typical in scientific research where study design and exposure parameters vary.