Analysis of mobile phone use among young patients with brain tumors in Japan

{
  "publication_year": null,
  "study_type": "other",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "mobile phone",
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "Ownership 1 year before diagnosis"
  },
  "population": "Patients in Japan aged 6–18 years with brain tumors diagnosed between 2006 and 2010",
  "sample_size": 82,
  "outcomes": [
    "Mobile phone ownership prevalence among young brain tumor patients compared with general-population estimates (standardized ownership ratios)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Among 82 young patients with brain tumors, 16 owned a mobile phone 1 year before diagnosis and 66 did not. Age-adjusted standardized ownership ratios versus general-population surveys were 0.83 (95% CI: 0.56–1.22), 0.51 (95% CI: 0.24–1.04), and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.42–1.32), and the authors report ownership prevalence did not differ from available general-population estimates.",
  "effect_direction": "no_effect",
  "limitations": [
    "Small sample size (82 total; 16 owners).",
    "Exposure metric limited to phone ownership 1 year before diagnosis; usage intensity not detailed in the abstract.",
    "Comparison relies on external general-population surveys rather than an internal control group.",
    "Did not examine other RF exposure sources (e.g., cordless phone use)."
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "stance": "neutral",
  "stance_confidence": 0.62,
  "summary": "This study described mobile phone ownership among 82 Japanese patients aged 6–18 years with brain tumors diagnosed between 2006 and 2010. Sixteen patients owned a mobile phone 1 year before diagnosis, and standardized ownership ratios compared with general-population surveys ranged from 0.51 to 0.83 with confidence intervals including 1. The authors report ownership prevalence did not differ from general-population estimates, while noting the need for continued research as children’s phone use increases.",
  "key_points": [
    "The study assessed mobile phone ownership and use patterns among young brain tumor patients in Japan.",
    "Participants were 82 patients aged 6–18 years diagnosed with brain tumors between 2006 and 2010.",
    "Sixteen patients were mobile phone owners 1 year before diagnosis and 66 were non-owners.",
    "Expected numbers of owners were derived from three general-population surveys to compute standardized ownership ratios.",
    "Standardized ownership ratios (0.51–0.83) had confidence intervals that included 1, and the authors report no difference from general-population estimates.",
    "The abstract notes major methodological limitations, including small sample size and limited exposure assessment.",
    "The authors conclude that research on children’s mobile phone use and health effects should continue as use increases."
  ],
  "categories": [
    "Epidemiology",
    "Cancer",
    "Children & Adolescents",
    "Mobile & Wireless"
  ],
  "tags": [
    "Brain Tumors",
    "Children",
    "Adolescents",
    "Mobile Phone Ownership",
    "Radiofrequency Exposure",
    "Japan",
    "Standardized Ownership Ratio",
    "Case Series"
  ],
  "keywords": [
    "brain tumors",
    "children",
    "adolescents",
    "mobile phone",
    "ownership",
    "Japan",
    "radiofrequency",
    "standardized ownership ratio"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "cell-phones",
      "weight": 0.95,
      "reason": "Study focuses on mobile phone ownership/use among young brain tumor patients."
    }
  ],
  "social": {
    "tweet": "Japan study of 82 brain tumor patients (ages 6–18) found mobile phone ownership 1 year before diagnosis was similar to general-population estimates; authors note small sample and limited exposure assessment.",
    "facebook": "A Japanese study examined mobile phone ownership among 82 young patients with brain tumors and reported ownership prevalence similar to general-population estimates, while highlighting methodological limits and the need for continued research as children’s phone use rises.",
    "linkedin": "Bioelectromagnetics (2017): Analysis of mobile phone ownership among 82 Japanese brain tumor patients aged 6–18 found standardized ownership ratios vs general-population surveys that did not indicate a difference; limitations include small sample size and limited exposure characterization."
  }
}