Drinking tea or coffee at extremely high temperatures may increase the risk of developing a type of oesophageal cancer, according to a major UK study.
Researchers from Oxford Population Health analysed data from nearly one million people and found a link between very hot beverages and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
The study is among the largest research projects in the UK examining the possible health effects of drinking very hot liquids.
Scientists reviewed information from participants involved in the UK Biobank and Million Women Study.
Their health records were monitored for more than a decade to examine links between beverage temperature and cancer risk.
Very Hot Drinks Show Increased Cancer Risk
Researchers found that people who regularly drank beverages described as “very hot” faced a higher risk of developing oesophageal SCC compared with those who preferred cooler drinks.
Participants who consumed very hot drinks had around three times the risk compared with people who drank beverages at a hot temperature.
The risk was also about twice as high compared with people who drank warm beverages.
The study found that individuals consuming six or more very hot drinks had a 71 percent higher risk of developing oesophageal SCC.
However, researchers stressed that the overall risk remains relatively low.
The lifetime risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma in the United Kingdom is estimated at around one percent.
Scientists explained that the temperature of drinks may damage the lining of the oesophagus over time.
Repeated exposure to extremely hot liquids could cause irritation and cellular changes that may increase cancer risk.
Cancer Link Found Only With Certain Oesophageal Tumours
The research specifically identified an association with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
The study did not find a similar connection with oesophageal adenocarcinoma, another major type of oesophageal cancer.
Oesophageal adenocarcinoma is more common in countries such as the United States.
The findings support previous international research suggesting that very hot beverages may contribute to oesophageal cancer risk.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified beverages consumed above 65 degrees Celsius as “probably carcinogenic.”
This classification does not mean that hot drinks directly cause cancer in every case.
Instead, it indicates that evidence suggests a possible relationship between high temperatures and increased risk.
Researchers said further studies are needed to better understand the exact temperature levels that may create health risks.
Scientists Advise Letting Drinks Cool Before Consumption
Experts said people do not need to stop drinking tea or coffee.
Instead, they recommend allowing very hot beverages to cool slightly before drinking them.
Researchers highlighted that the study relied on participants reporting their own drinking habits.
The exact temperatures of beverages were not measured directly.
Because of this limitation, scientists said more research is needed to establish precise temperature guidelines.
The findings add to growing evidence that lifestyle habits, including eating and drinking patterns, can influence long-term health.
Tea and coffee remain among the world’s most popular beverages and are consumed daily by millions of people.
The study suggests that simply waiting a few moments before drinking may help reduce potential risks linked to extreme heat.
