FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:
An international study is expected to show that people who use cell phones frequently face a higher risk of getting brain tumors. The British Newspaper "The Daily Telegraph" reports on a decade-long study of nearly 13,000 people in 13 countries - overseen by the World Health Organization.
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According to the paper, the report says a definitive link couldn't be proven; but several of the studies conducted seemed to show an increase in various kinds of brain cancers.
The report is due out before the end of the year, but lawmakers here in the U.S. have already been focusing in on the issue. Democratic Senator Tom Harkin has said he's concerned no one has been able to prove cell phones don't cause cancer, and promises his committee will take a look at that question. Harkin says it reminds him of the nation's experience with cigarettes - and how it took decades to prove that they caused lung cancer.
If the lobby for the wireless phone companies is as powerful as the tobacco lobby, it could be a long debate. And cellphones are much more widely used than cigarettes.
It's estimated 275 million people use them in the U.S... and four billion worldwide.
But so far, research hasn't established a definitive link between cell phones and different kinds of cancer, including brain tumors. But the Telegraph says this study contains evidence there is a link.
Here’s my question to you: Are you concerned about possible health risks associated with cell phone use?
Interested to know which ones made it on air?
Scott from Santee, California writes:
I am very concerned, especially when I consider my young 12 and 14-year-old nieces are using cell phones all the time.
Chandler from Rockaway, New Jersey writes:
There will be nearly 1.5 million cases of cancer diagnosed in the U.S. this year; only 22,000 will be brain cancer (American Cancer Society). Even if cell phones cause a small increase in one kind of cancer, it is a misdirection of resources to focus on a tiny fraction of the problem.
D. writes:
My father was a “Crackberry” addict. He was diagnosed with the worst type of brain tumor possible last July and died in December. The tumor was located just behind his ear where he used the phone day and night. Having worked for major mobile manufacturers for last 14 years, one thing I was very aware of was that the lawyers were very, very nervous about where people stored their phones and how close to the body it was.
Karen writes:
Jack, Listening to the experts will cause stress which will lead to high blood pressure and a possible stroke or heart attack. Give me a break. Some of us are old enough to remember when we rode bikes without helmets, rode in cars without car seats or seat belts and yet we are now baby boomers and really starting to enjoy life. I will use my cell phone where and when I want, but I do now ride my bike with a helmet.
James from Georgia writes:
I want to say I want to see a more significant link in research before I become overly concerned. However, I also don't want to be the statistic that provides further evidence.
Charlie from Bremerton, Washington writes:
What doesn't give you cancer these days, Jack?
Donald from Tampa writes:
None at all, Jack. (Of course, that may be because I am 84 years old.)