World Brain Tumour Day: Can mobile phones and radiation cause brain tumours?

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On World Brain Tumour Day, experts highlight the importance of early detection and awareness of brain tumour symptoms, causes, and myths. Brain tumours, whether benign or malignant, require timely diagnosis and treatment. Lifestyle factors, radiation exposure and mobile phone use remain under study while advances in surgery and therapy offer hope for effective management and recovery. read more
Brain tumours remain one of the most complex and life-altering neurological conditions, yet public awareness about their early warning signs and risk factors is still limited. On World Brain Tumour Day, experts emphasise the urgent need to dispel myths, recognise subtle symptoms and promote timely diagnosis to improve outcomes.
Dr Harisha P N, Senior Consultant of Neurosurgery at Manipal Hospitals (Yeshwanthpur) said that a brain tumour is essentially an abnormal growth of cells within or near the brain. 'Tumours can be either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous) and may arise from different parts of the brain, its outer layers, or nearby structures such as the skull or nasal passages,' he says.
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These tumours are generally triggered by DNA alterations that disrupt the balance of cell growth, causing unchecked cell division and eventually leading to mass formation. Primary brain tumours originate in the brain, while secondary or metastatic tumours spread from cancers elsewhere in the body.
Early red flags to watch out for
According to Dr Harisha, the symptoms of a brain tumour depend on its type, size and location, but some key warning signs shouldn't be ignored:
*Persistent, worsening headaches, especially in the mornings or when moving
*Unexplained seizures
*Ongoing nausea or vomiting
*Visual disturbances such as double or blurred vision
*Hearing issues like ringing in the ears or hearing loss
*Difficulty with balance or coordination
*Fatigue, personality changes, speech difficulties, or numbness in parts of the body
'The location of the tumour can influence whether a person develops tingling, trouble swallowing or limb weakness,' he added.
All tumours are not cancerous
Not all brain tumours are life-threatening. 'Many are benign, such as meningiomas or pituitary tumours,' says Dr Harisha. 'That said, even benign tumours can cause serious symptoms due to pressure effects, so timely diagnosis is critical.'
Can diet, radiation or mobile phones cause brain tumours?
The role of lifestyle in brain tumour causation is still evolving. While a poor diet and obesity have long been linked with several types of cancer, some recent research suggests they might also be associated with brain tumours. 'Protective foods like green tea, vegetables and folate could lower the risk,' says Dr Harisha, though he emphasises that more robust studies are needed.
Inflammation is another area of active research. 'Chronic inflammation from infections or genetic factors is increasingly being recognised in the development and recurrence of brain tumours,' he added.
Ionising radiation such as that used in radiotherapy does increase the risk, but the exposure from routine diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scans) is considered minimal. MRI and ultrasound, which don't involve ionising radiation, are completely safe.
The common concern about mobile phones causing brain tumours has yet to be proven. Dr Priyanka Kisan Pokhariyal, Consultant Physician (Internal Medicine) at Saifee Hospital (Mumbai) said that while mobile phones emit radiofrequency (RF) radiation, this type is non-ionising and not strong enough to directly damage DNA.
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'Some studies have explored a possible link between long-term mobile phone use and glioma, a rare brain cancer, but the evidence is inconclusive,' she says. 'Children may be more vulnerable due to thinner skulls and developing brains, so extra caution is advised.'
She suggests simple precautions: 'Use speaker mode or earphones, avoid prolonged calls with the phone close to the head, and keep devices away from the body when not in use.'
Treatment is possible and often successful
'Almost all brain tumours are treatable, and many are curable,' reassures Dr Harisha. 'Microneurosurgery remains the cornerstone, often complemented by radiation and chemotherapy.'
Treatment may cause fatigue, headaches, balance issues or temporary cognitive effects. 'But with regular medical follow-ups, nutritional support and physiotherapy, recovery is often smooth and patients can regain good quality of life,' he says.
In conclusion, experts agree that a proactive approach — recognising early signs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, using technology mindfully and consulting specialists when needed — can make all the difference.