Cancer Controversy Causes Consumer Confusion

July 24, 2008— -- As a nation, we might tune out science lectures in the classroom, but we're pretty savvy about science in the marketplace, especially when we learn about research that could potentially affect our health.

Whether it is banning smoking in restaurants or avoiding salmonella-laced chilies at the supermarket, Americans process what researchers tell them and make decisions based on the newest findings.

But often studies contradict each other, confusing consumers and making it difficult to know what to do.

This week, a prominent cancer researcher at the University of Pittsburgh contradicted years of research in a memo to 3,000 colleagues warning them of a connection between cell phone usage and brain cancer and cautioning them to keep phones away from children.

The memo by Dr. Ronald Herberman, director of the university's Cancer Institute, contradicts numerous studies and information disseminated by the Cancer Society of America and the Food and Drug Administration.

Herberman has yet to officially publish his still ongoing research, but believes his initial findings warrant taking early action, especially in regard to children.

"Although the evidence is still controversial, I am convinced that there are sufficient data to warrant issuing an advisory to share some precautionary advice on cell phone use," he wrote. "Really at the heart of my concern is that we shouldn't wait for a definitive study to come out, but err on the side of being safe rather than sorry later."

He recommends adults use headsets or speakerphones when speaking on cell phones and children use phones only in emergencies.

No other research institution has so stringently argued that a link exists and Herberman's advice is sure to concern many consumers -- especially parents.

Several consumers interviewed by ABC News.com said they had heard rumors of a cancer link for years, but the new information raised additional concerns even if the entire scientific community had yet to reach a consensus.