Drinking very hot tea and coffee triples the risk of developing oesophageal cancer, according to the world's largest study on the link. Researchers found that consuming beverages at very hot temperatures significantly increases the chance of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Cancer experts advise letting drinks cool to a comfortable temperature before sipping.
Understanding the Study on Hot Drinks and Cancer
The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, analyzed data from nearly 980,000 UK participants—the largest global cohort for this research. Led by Dr. Keren Papier, a senior nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Oxford, the findings highlight a clear connection between beverage temperature and cancer risk.
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Results showed that drinking very hot beverages (versus warm) was associated with a threefold increase in SCC risk. Additionally, consuming six or more hot drinks daily raised SCC risk by 71% compared to fewer than six, independent of temperature.
Key Findings at a Glance
The study distinguished between two types of oesophageal cancer: SCC and adenocarcinoma (AC). While very hot drinks elevated SCC risk, they did not increase AC risk, offering a nuanced picture of how temperature affects different cancer forms.
| Drink Temperature | SCC Risk | AC Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Very Hot | Tripled | No significant increase |
| Warm | Baseline | Baseline |
Practical Tips to Reduce Oesophageal Cancer Risk
Experts recommend allowing hot beverages to cool for a few minutes before drinking to avoid scalding temperatures. This simple habit can significantly lower your risk of oesophageal cancer.
- Wait until tea or coffee is comfortable to sip without burning your mouth.
- Avoid habitual consumption of extremely hot drinks, especially multiple times daily.
- Opt for warm or room-temperature beverages when possible.
Why Temperature Matters
Repeated thermal injury from very hot liquids may damage the oesophageal lining, promoting cellular changes that lead to cancer. Understanding this mechanism underscores the importance of temperature awareness in daily habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What is oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma?
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a type of cancer that forms in the flat cells lining the oesophagus. It is one of the two main types of oesophageal cancer, with risk factors including smoking, alcohol, and very hot beverage consumption.
How can I reduce my risk from hot drinks?
Allow your drinks to cool to a comfortable temperature before drinking. Avoid consuming beverages that are piping hot, and limit the number of very hot drinks you have each day.
Does this apply to all hot beverages?
Yes, the study focused on tea and coffee, but any very hot liquid could potentially cause thermal injury to the oesophagus. The key is to avoid extremely high temperatures.
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