Cell Phones in Bras: Unpacking the Research on Breast Cancer Risk with Cell Phones

The convenience of modern life often means our smartphones are rarely out of reach. For some women, tucking a cell phone into their bra has become a common habit. But is this practice harmless? A growing body of research, including studies by West et al. (2013) and Shih et al. (2020), has raised questions about a potential link between this habit and an elevated risk of breast cancer, sparking concern and ongoing debate.

Case Reports: A Look at West et al. (2013)

The 2013 paper by West and colleagues presented a case series of four young women, aged 21 to 39, who developed unusual, multifocal invasive breast cancer. A striking similarity among these cases was the patients' habit of regularly carrying their smartphones directly against their breasts, tucked into their bras, often for several hours a day over a period of years. Notably, the tumors developed in the areas of the breast directly underlying where the phones were kept. These women reportedly had no family history of breast cancer or other known risk factors.

While case series like this are small and cannot definitively prove causation, they can highlight potential areas for further investigation. The authors of the study raised concerns about the possible association between the non-ionizing radiation from electromagnetic fields (EMF's) emitted by cellular phones and the development of these cancers, emphasizing the lack of safety data regarding prolonged direct skin contact with these devices.

Broader Associations: The Shih et al. (2020) Study

More recently, a 2020 case-control study by Shih and colleagues involving Taiwanese women further explored the relationship between smartphone use and breast cancer risk. This study, which compared 211 breast cancer patients with 894 healthy controls, found that certain smartphone behaviors were associated with an increased risk.

Crucially, the research indicated that participants who carried their smartphones near their chest area had a significantly increased risk of breast cancer – reported as a 5.03-fold increase compared to those who carried their phones below the waist. Other habits, such as "smartphone addiction," using the phone for more than 4.5 minutes before bedtime, and maintaining a closer distance between the smartphone and the breasts while in use, were also linked to a higher risk. The researchers hypothesized that non-ionizing radiofrequency exposure or the suppression of melatonin (a hormone that plays a role in sleep and has anti-cancer properties) due to smartphone light could be potential underlying mechanisms.

What Does This Mean for Women?

The findings from these studies are concerning and suggest that the way women interact with their cell phones, particularly prolonged direct contact with the breast area, warrants attention. Organizations like the Environmental Health Trust (EHT) have highlighted this research, advocating for precautionary measures. They point out that cell phone manufacturers themselves often include fine print in user manuals advising that phones be kept a certain distance away from the body.

Navigating the Information: A Balanced Perspective

The research by West et al. and Shih et al. specifically points to the placement of the phone as a key concern, rather than general cell phone use. Case series, by their nature, are observational and don't prove a cause-and-effect relationship. Case-control studies can show associations, but they also have limitations, including potential recall bias (participants misremembering past habits).

The proposed mechanisms – such as DNA damage from reactive oxygen species induced by RFR, or melatonin suppression – are still areas of active research. Non-ionizing radiation from cell phones is different from ionizing radiation (like X-rays), which is a known carcinogen.

Precautionary Principle: What Can You Do?

Given the ongoing research and the concerns raised by studies focusing on direct contact, many experts and health advocates suggest a precautionary approach:

• Avoid carrying your cell phone in your bra. Find alternative places like a purse, bag, or a pocket that is not directly against your skin for prolonged periods.
• Be mindful of device manuals: Check the manufacturer's recommendations regarding safe distances from the body.
• Limit direct body contact: When using your phone, try to use a headset or speakerphone, especially for long conversations.
• Consider "Airplane Mode": When you don't need to be connected, switching your phone to airplane mode (with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off) can reduce RFR emissions.
• Using EMF blocking cell phone cases such as BorTech
  

The Bottom Line

While the debate over the definitive link between cell phone radiation and cancer continues, the studies by West et al. (2013) and Shih et al. (2020) provide specific points of concern regarding the practice of carrying cell phones in bras. As research evolves, being informed and taking simple, precautionary steps to reduce direct exposure to the breast tissue may be a prudent choice for women.