Exposure to radiofrequency radiation increases the risk of breast cancer: A systematic review and meta‑analysis
Authors: Chin-Sheng Hung
Wen-Hsuan Hou
Anthony Paul O&#x27;Brien
Ya-Wen Shih
Kee-Hsin Chen
Hsiu-Ting Tsai
Journal: Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine (2020)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: breast cancer; meta-analysis; radiofrequency radiation; systematic review.
Affiliations: School of Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales 2308, Australia, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, New Taipei City, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Center for Nursing and Healthcare Research in Clinical Practice Application, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Evidence-based Knowledge Translation Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Cochrane Taiwan, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation/Center of Evidence-Based Medicine in Department of Education, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Master Program in Long-Term Care, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C., Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan R.O.C.

Abstract:  The present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the association between exposure to radiofrequency radiation and the risk of breast cancer. The published studies that were available in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science, Airiti Library, Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations and ProQuest until May 2020 were investigated. A total of eight studies (four case-control and four cohort studies) were eligible for quantitative analysis. A significant association between radiofrequency radiation exposure and breast cancer risk was detected [pooled relative risk (RR)=1.189; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.056-1.339]. Subgroup analyses indicated that radiofrequency radiation exposure significantly increased the risk of breast cancer susceptibility among subjects aged ≥50 years (RR=2.179; 95% CI, 1.260-3.770). Pooled estimates revealed that the use of electrical appliances, which emit radiofrequency radiation, such as mobile phones and computers, significantly increased breast cancer development (RR=2.057; 95% CI, 1.272-3.327), while occupational radiofrequency exposure and transmitters did not increase breast cancer development (RR=1.274; 95% CI, 0.956-1.697; RR=1.133; 95% CI, 0.987-1.300, respectively). It was concluded that radiofrequency radiation exposure significantly increased the risk of breast cancer, especially in women aged ≥50 years and in individuals who used electric appliances, such as mobile phones and computers. In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis, an evaluation protocol was prepared and registered with the PROSPERO database (registration no. CRD42018087283). 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
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