Device Radiation & Cancer: My Journey With Cancer

I was a runner and now I am a cancer warrior.

In November of 2016, I developed a softball sized tumor in my left thigh; the same thigh that I would place my laptop on for hours at a time. I had learned that my cancer may have been caused by radiation, yet I had no idea how that applied to me and then it hit me — my laptop.

I spent hours upon hours with my laptop on the same thigh where the tumor formed not knowing that it shouldn't touch my body. How many of you have read the disclaimer about any of your mobile devices? I never did, but when I looked up the disclaimer for my laptop, I learned that it should be kept 8 inches away from my body. It's a LAPTOP! Who knew??

Cancer Warrior Girl

The disclaimer for my cell phone says to reduce RF exposure, use hands free options such as speakerphone, text messaging or using the supplied headphones.

Think about the fact that notepads and tablets use many of the same components as cell phones, then think about all of the children who use these daily for education and entertainment purposes. How many parents are aware of this?

In 2011 the International Agency for Research on Cancer, an agency of the World Health Organization, classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans based on an increased risk for glioma, a type of brain cancer associated with wireless phone use.

In 2012, The Government Office of Accountability published a report stating that testing requirements for mobile phones should be reassessed by the FCC. To date, the FCC has not updated their exposure limit to the new recommended limit adopted by other countries including countries in Europe. The guidelines have not changed, and we are being exposed to more radiation.

Ronald Melnick, PHD, a toxicologist with the National Institute of Health who led the study states, “For children the cancer risks may be greater than that for adults because of greater penetration and absorption of cell phone radiation in the brains of children and because the developing nervous system of children is more susceptible to tissue-damaging agents.”

Now, with the onset of virtual reality games that require cell phones, (and most do), our kids our holding these devices right to their skulls.

Where does the American Academy of Pediatrics stand on this issue? They recommend that we limit our children's screen time and states that cell phones and similar devices are not recommended for children and toddlers. They also advocate the need for providing parents with meaningful disclosure.

So, what can we do?

• We can start by limiting our children's screen time and downloading content then turning off the WiFi and putting the device in airplane mode.
• Use the speakerphone or text messaging when possible.
• Avoid carrying these devices in your pocket or bra, in fact, don't let any of these devices touch your body for an extended period.
• Don't sleep with your phone on your pillow or bed.
• Reach out to your elected officials and urge them to create legislation that will require prominently displayed warnings on these devices.

Had there been a prominently displayed disclosure on my device, I would never ever have taken a chance of risking the ability to run or losing my life.

I urge you to educate yourself and protect yourself and your children from mobile device radiation.

Just as there are warnings on a pack of cigarettes, there needs to be clear warning as well on mobile devices. Cell phones, notepads and laptops are not going anywhere, and I wouldn't want them to; we all rely on them so much. At the very least, a warning label can make a parent aware that there are ways to protect their children by safely using these devices.

I have developed 5 more tumors; the most recent one is inoperable and developed in my heart causing me to have 3 strokes. My mission with the time that I have left on this earth is to create awareness.

If I can educate just one person about this, then my own cancer will not have been in vain.

Giving up is not an option!

Cally Pivano writes about her journey on her blog Cancer Warrior Girl.