Very hot drinks may damage the food pipe and increase cancer risk
Summary
A large UK study found that regularly drinking very hot drinks, like tea or coffee at 65°C or higher, can increase the risk of cancer of the food pipe (oesophageal cancer) by about three times compared to drinking warm beverages. The risk remains low overall, but waiting for drinks to cool before drinking may help reduce it.Key Facts
- The study involved nearly one million middle-aged men and women.
- "Very hot" drinks are defined as those at 65°C (149°F) or above.
- Drinking six or more very hot drinks daily raises cancer risk.
- Hot liquids can damage the lining of the food pipe, leading to cancer risk.
- In the UK, oesophageal cancer affects only a few thousand people per year.
- The chance of developing this cancer is about 1% in the population.
- Smoking and alcohol use are larger risk factors for this cancer.
- Experts advise waiting until drinks feel comfortable to drink, rather than drinking them when very hot.
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