Drinking very hot tea or coffee triples oesophageal cancer risk, study warns
People who prefer their tea or coffee very hot have more than three times the risk of developing oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared with those who like warm drinks, a study of nearly 980,000 UK adults found. The research, published in the International Journal of Cancer, also showed that drinking six or more hot beverages daily raises risk by 71 percent after accounting for temperature. Oesophageal cancer affects the food pipe from mouth to stomach, with squamous cell carcinoma being the most common form worldwide. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies drinks above 65°C as ‘probably carcinogenic.’ The link remained even when milk was added, as long as the drink stayed hot. Researchers note the study shows association, not proof of cause, and suggest letting beverages cool before drinking reduces exposure. While absolute risk remains low, the finding is relevant for Nigerians who regularly consume hot tea or coffee. Will you let your hot drinks cool before sipping, or keep your current habit?