New cancer link for mobile phones

Mobile phone radiation may not cause cancer but could make tumours grow more aggressively, according to a new study.

Italian scientists say microwaves similar to those produced by mobile phones can stimulate genes that trigger cells to multiply.

Most experts believe radiation from handsets does not have enough energy to affect cells, other than by heating them up. The research suggests, however, that mobile phone microwaves can damage DNA and send cancerous cells into overdrive, making them much more aggressive.

The study, carried out by the National Research Council in Bologna, concentrated on leukaemia, since previous research indicated the disease might be more common among mobile phone users.

It suggested that although there is no direct threat to human health from mobiles, the radiation from such devices could help existing cancer cells to thrive.