There is a large number of tea and coffee drinkers in India. Many people enjoy having tea or coffee multiple times a day, and some prefer to drink it very hot. However, if you have a habit of consuming very hot tea or coffee, you need to be cautious. A new study has found a link between the consumption of very hot beverages and an increased risk of esophageal cancer (cancer of the food pipe).
According to the research published in the International Journal of Cancer, individuals who regularly consumed very hot beverages were found to have more than three times the risk of developing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to those who drank lukewarm beverages.
Research conducted on approximately 1 million people
This study analyzed data from around one million people. Researchers specifically focused on cases of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, which is the most common type of esophageal cancer worldwide.
The esophagus is a muscular tube that transports food and beverages from the mouth to the stomach. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)—the cancer agency of the World Health Organization (WHO)—there were approximately 604,000 new cases of esophageal cancer worldwide in 2020, while around 544,000 people died from the disease.
Increased risk among those consuming 6 or more hot beverages daily
Participants in the study provided information regarding their hot beverage consumption habits. They were asked whether they consumed fewer than six hot beverages daily or six or more.
Additionally, participants were asked about their preferred beverage temperature—lukewarm, hot, or very hot. About half of the participants reported consuming six or more hot beverages daily, while approximately 15 percent stated that they preferred drinking their beverages very hot. Risk more than triples for those who drink very hot beverages
According to researchers, a link was found between the temperature of beverages and the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The risk was nearly twice as high for those who preferred hot beverages compared to those who preferred lukewarm ones.
Meanwhile, the risk was found to be more than three times higher among those who preferred drinking very hot beverages. The study also observed the impact of consumption volume. After accounting for temperature, the risk of esophageal SCC was found to be approximately 71 percent higher in those who consumed six or more hot beverages daily compared to those who consumed fewer than six.
It is better to let tea and coffee cool down a bit before drinking
Based on the study’s findings, experts advise against consuming very hot tea, coffee, and other beverages. Allowing tea or coffee to cool for a while and drinking them at a lukewarm temperature can reduce the risk of esophageal damage associated with very hot drinks.
However, such studies do not definitively predict whether a specific individual will develop cancer. Cancer risk depends on various other factors as well. Therefore, it is essential to consult a doctor if one experiences persistent health issues or unusual symptoms.
