By Donna Bowater of Express.co.uk

JUST half an hour a day on your mobile phone can increase the risk of brain cancer by a third, according to a landmark report.

The largest study into the dangers, published in a scientific journal tomorrow, come as mobile phone usage in Britain continues to rocket, particularly among children.

The £15million Interphone report, by the World Health Organisation, found those in the heaviest user category were in greater danger of developing malignant glioma tumours, which account for half of all brain tumours in the UK.

But the report’s definition of heavy use is just 30 minutes a day and regular use was at least one call per week over a six-month period.

No victims under 30 were interviewed, with the researchers admitting many young people use mobiles for an hour or more every day.

They found that tumours were more common on the side of the head where the phone was used.

Campaigners have warned the real risk may be much higher because the study did not look at other tumours including acoustic neuromas, which grow in the ears.

‘The real risk of tumours could be much higher’


Sarah Wright, spokeswoman for campaign group Mast Sanity, said: “They are only looking at two types of tumours. Other reports have come up with an average that doubled the risk and this Interphone study gives a 40 per cent increased risk.

“Twenty to 30 years ago, brain tumours were virtually unknown but two surgeons in Australia say they have seen a huge increase.”

She said evidence showed the number diagnosed was increasing by two per cent every year.

The Interphone report, which has been largely funded by the mobile phone industry, was based on interviews in 13 countries over 10 years with 5,000 brain cancer victims or a friend or relative of those who had died or were too ill to be quizzed.


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