Recent studies have raised questions about whether very hot beverages may increase the risk of esophageal cancer, prompting tea and coffee lovers to question the safety of this daily habit.

In this context, regarding whether hot drinks can cause cancer, Dr. Hetish Singhavi, a surgical oncology consultant at KIMS Hospitals in Thane, India, told “Only My Health”: “The problem is not the coffee or tea themselves, but the high temperature. In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the WHO, classified very hot beverages (65°C/149°F or above) as possibly carcinogenic to humans, placing them in Group 2A, alongside items like red meat or indoor wood smoke.”

He confirmed that the cause is not the drink itself but the effect of high temperature on the esophageal lining, noting that the IARC classification reflects the strength of evidence, not necessarily the level of risk in daily life.

Most human studies focus on regions such as South America (where “mate” is consumed hot), parts of Asia, and the Middle East, where very hot drinks are traditionally consumed.

Comprehensive analyses indicate that people who regularly consume hot food or beverages have a 60% higher likelihood of developing squamous cell esophageal cancer, with a risk ratio of about 1.6 for hot drinks compared to warm or cold drinks.

A British study involving about half a million participants found that those who prefer very hot tea or coffee have a higher incidence of squamous cell esophageal cancer, with this association increasing gradually regardless of the type of drink.

In 1991, IARC classified coffee as Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic), but after reviewing over 1000 studies, it was removed due to insufficient evidence.

Dr. Singhavi referred to a Chinese study that found drinking tea at high temperatures is associated with increased esophageal cancer risk, especially when combined with smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, though this study relied on self-reports that may be inaccurate.

He explained that the idea is that frequently consuming very hot liquids may cause minor burns or damage to the esophageal lining, and when the body continuously replaces damaged cells, the likelihood of these areas turning into cancerous lesions increases.

Animal experiments in a 2021 study showed that hot water (70°C) increases cell division and precancerous lesions.

He added that there is no need to worry excessively as there is no strong evidence proving that hot drinks alone cause cancer, especially in Western contexts where adenocarcinoma (not squamous cell carcinoma) of the esophagus is more common, according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Other factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and acid reflux pose much greater risks.

The Indian doctor advised several guidelines for safely consuming hot drinks:

– Let the drink cool: waiting a minute or stirring can reduce the temperature by 10-15°C.

– Choose warm rather than very hot temperatures: avoid drinks above 65°C.

– Take small sips: avoid drinking large amounts of very hot liquids to reduce impact on the esophagus.

– Focus on major risk factors such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol, which have a greater effect on cancer risk.

He concluded: “There is a possible link between very hot drinks and squamous cell esophageal cancer, but the problem lies in the temperature, not the drink. Risks increase with high temperatures (65°C or more) and large quantities over a long time, especially with factors like smoking and alcohol.”