Electromagnetic Field Exposure and Male Breast Cancer Risk: A Meta-analysis of 18 Studies

Background: The possibility that electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure may increase male breast cancer riskhas been discussed for a long time. However, arguments have been presented that studies limited by poor qualitycould have led to statistically significant results by chance or bias. Moreover, data fo the last 10 years have notbeen systematically summarized. Methods and
Results: To confirm any possible association, a meta-analysis wasperformed by a systematic search strategy. Totals of 7 case-control and 11 cohort studies was identified and pooledORs with 95% CIs were used as the principal outcome measures. Data from these studies were extracted witha standard meta-analysis procedure and grouped in relation to study design, cut-off point, exposure assessmentmethod, adjustment and exposure model. A statistical significant increased risk of male breast cancer with EMFexposure was defined (pooled ORs = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.14 -1.52, P < 0.001), and subgroup analyses also showedsimilar results.
Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that EMF exposure may be associated with the increaserisk of male breast cancer despite the arguments raised.