Coffee and tea are an inseparable part of the daily ritual for many of us, but what happens when these beverages remain too hot? Recent studies reveal that it is not only a matter of quantity but also of temperature—and that this may affect the risk of developing esophageal cancer among people who drink very hot beverages in large amounts over time.
Walla
A large body of research examined in the UK and other countries showed that drinking coffee or tea at very high temperatures (more than 65 degrees Celsius) may increase the risk of esophageal cancer. This was a large-scale study involving thousands of participants, which found that those who drank very hot beverages were at greater risk of developing the disease compared with those who drank them at a lower temperature.
A possible explanation is that the high heat damages the delicate lining of the esophagus, leading to chronic inflammation and the potential to damage cells over time. Although this link is not recognized as a definitive cause, the World Health Organization already classifies drinking very hot beverages as “possibly carcinogenic.”
Can tea and coffee also limit risk?
While the heat of the beverage may pose a risk, other studies show a more complex picture: Moderate consumption of tea and coffee—especially at a moderate temperature—has been linked in the scientific literature to a certain reduction in the risk of some types of head and neck cancers, including parts of the throat.
In contrast, drinking more than one cup of tea per day has been found in some studies to be associated with an increased risk of a certain type of throat cancer (laryngeal cancer), but these findings are limited and require further research.
Signs of esophageal cancer
If you drink tea or coffee frequently in daily life, there is no need to panic immediately—but it is important to be familiar with symptoms that are not normal and report them to a doctor. According to experts, you should pay attention to:
Difficulty or pain when swallowing
A sensation of food being “stuck”
Severe heartburn that does not go away
Unintentional weight loss
Chronic cough or hoarse voice
Pain in the throat or chest when swallowing
Bloody cough or black stools (rare)
These are not definitive signs of the disease, but they require medical examination for further evaluation.