Health
UK Study Links Very Hot Beverages to Higher Risk of Oesophageal Cancer
By Today News Hours Editorial Desk
New research from Oxford University suggests that regularly drinking very hot beverages, such as tea and coffee, may raise the risk of developing oesophageal cancer, also known as cancer of the food pipe or gullet. The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, analyzed data from 977,282 middle-aged men and women, making it the largest study to date to explore this link.
According to the findings, people who consumed their drinks at "very hot" temperatures had roughly three times the risk of developing oesophageal cancer compared to those who drank "warm" tea or coffee. The researchers defined "very hot" as 65 degrees Celsius or above. Drinking six or more hot beverages daily was also associated with an increased risk.
The study's lead researcher, Dr Keren Papier, noted that similar findings had previously been observed in South America, where a very hot herbal drink called mate is popular. She said further research is needed to pinpoint the exact temperatures linked to increased cancer risk.
Scalding liquids can damage the cells lining the food pipe as they pass to the stomach. Although adding milk can slightly cool a drink, it may still remain too hot to safely consume. Tea made immediately after boiling water is close to 100 degrees Celsius, and even after pouring into a cup, it can still measure around 90 to 95 degrees Celsius. Experts recommend allowing drinks to cool for a few minutes before drinking.
Cancer Research UK said it is difficult to specify an exact waiting time, advising instead that people wait until a drink feels comfortable to drink rather than consuming it while still very hot.
A separate study of 118 young adults testing various black coffees found that most participants only considered drinks too hot at around 70 degrees Celsius or higher. Meanwhile, one manufacturer of takeaway coffee cups, MTPak Coffee, stated that the ideal temperature for coffee on the go is between 49 and 60 degrees Celsius, though drinks requested extra hot can be served above 82 degrees Celsius.
The researchers estimate that one or two in every ten cases of oesophageal cancer could be prevented if people avoided drinking very hot beverages. However, squamous cell oesophageal cancer remains rare, affecting a few thousand people annually in the UK, where about 1% of the population faces a lifetime risk of diagnosis.
Experts emphasized that other factors, such as smoking, pose a greater risk for oesophageal cancer. Fiona Osgun of Cancer Research UK, which funded the study, said the most effective ways to reduce the risk of this cancer are not smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of oesophageal cancer can include heartburn, indigestion, pain in the throat or chest, and unexplained weight loss.