London: A study led by researchers at the University of Oxford involving nearly 977,000 middle-aged men and women found that people who regularly drank beverages described as ‘very hot’ had around three times the risk of oesophageal cancer compared with those who drank their beverages warm.
Published in the International Journal of Cancer, the research defines drinks at 65°C or above as ‘very hot’. The researchers also found that consuming six or more hot drinks a day was associated with a higher risk.
How very hot drinks may affect the food pipe
Experts believe repeatedly consuming scalding-hot beverages may damage the cells lining the oesophagus, the tube that carries food and drinks from the mouth to the stomach. Continued heat-related irritation could potentially contribute to the development of cancerous changes.
Researchers also pointed to previous studies in South America, where very hot mate, a traditional herbal beverage, has been linked with oesophageal cancer. Lead researcher Dr. Keren Papier said further research is needed to establish the exact temperatures at which hot beverages begin to pose an increased risk.
Waiting a few minutes could help
Tea or coffee prepared immediately after boiling can initially reach temperatures close to 100°C. Once poured into a cup, the temperature generally falls to around 90–95°C, meaning it can remain considerably hotter than the 65°C threshold identified in the study.
Adding milk may reduce the temperature slightly, but researchers caution that a milky tea or coffee can still be too hot to drink safely. Cancer Research UK advises people concerned about the risk to wait until their drink is comfortable to drink, rather than consuming it while it is still scalding hot.
Overall risk remains low
Despite the association, experts stress that oesophageal cancer remains relatively uncommon. The researchers estimate that around one or two in every 10 oesophageal cancer cases could potentially be prevented if people avoided very hot beverages.
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption remain more significant risk factors for oesophageal cancer. Cancer Research UK therefore continues to emphasise avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol consumption as key ways to lower the risk.
Symptoms of oesophageal cancer can include persistent heartburn, indigestion, pain in the throat or chest, difficulty swallowing and unexplained weight loss. Persistent or unusual symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
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