A study of nearly one million people has established a link between regularly drinking very hot tea or coffee and an increased risk of esophageal cancer, according to a report published by the British magazine Women’s Health UK and relayed by Al Arabiya.net. Researchers at the University of Oxford, after analyzing data from 980,000 British adults, found that people who regularly drink beverages at a temperature of 65°C or higher had approximately three times the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus compared to those who consumed their drinks lukewarm. The results, published in theInternational Journal of Cancer, They also indicate that consuming six or more hot drinks per day is associated with an increased risk.
Dr. Keren Papier, a senior researcher at the University of Oxford, pointed out that very hot drinks, common in South America, may be linked to an increased risk of certain esophageal cancers. However, she clarified that the study does not prove a causal link, but rather a correlation. “Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism by which temperature influences this risk,” she added. The researchers also noted that adding milk can slightly cool the drinks, but their temperature often remains above 65°C.
Drinks at extreme temperatures linked to cancer risk
The study analyzed 14 years of data, revealing that drinks consumed at 65°C or higher, considered “very hot,” are associated with a three times higher risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This type of cancer, rare in the UK with a lifetime absolute risk of 1%, is nevertheless more common among hot drink consumers. Researchers recommended allowing drinks to cool to a lukewarm temperature before consumption to reduce the risk. In Europe, hot drinks are among the most consumed beverages, with an average of 5.7 kg of coffee per person per year in 2023.
Context of risk factors
In addition to the study, the researchers noted that the main risk factors for esophageal cancer include smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. Esophageal cancer has two main subtypes: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. According to Cancer Research UK, esophageal cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK.
Limitations of the study
The results are based on observational analysis, meaning they do not demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship. The researchers also noted that the data primarily comes from Western populations, limiting the conclusions to that context. “What wasn’t clear was whether this also applies to the usual beverage temperatures in Western societies,” added Dr. Papier.
This study is the largest ever conducted on the link between hot drinks and esophageal cancer, according to researchers at the University of Oxford. It includes data from nearly one million people, which underscores the significance of the findings. The researchers emphasize that these conclusions could have broader implications, particularly in Europe, where hot drink consumption remains high. “If a drink is too hot to drink comfortably, letting it cool down a bit is a good idea,” recommends Dr. Papier.
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