Drinking very hot tea and coffee triples the risk of developing oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, according to the world’s largest study of its kind led by researchers at the University of Oxford. The findings, published in the International Journal of Cancer and funded by Cancer Research UK, indicate that letting beverages cool down before consumption can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.
Oxford Study Findings on Hot Drink Temperature and Cancer Risk
Consuming drinks at a very hot temperature versus a warm temperature is associated with a threefold greater risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), according to the Oxford study. Researchers analyzed data from nearly 980,000 adults in the UK over a 14-year period, combining participants from the UK Biobank and the Million Women Study. Dr Keren Papier, a senior nutritional epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health, led the research team examining whether hot drink habits in Western populations mirror findings already documented in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East.
The study also revealed that daily consumption of six or more hot drinks compared to fewer than six increases SCC risk by 71%. However, researchers noted that hot drink consumption does not heighten the risk of adenocarcinoma (AC), the other primary form of oesophageal cancer.
How Beverage Temperature Damages the Oesophagus
Health authorities attribute the elevated cancer risk to physical injury caused by high temperatures. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified drinking very hot beverages (above 65C) as “probably carcinogenic” back in 2016. Researchers explain that swallowing liquids at extreme temperatures causes repeated heat damage to the delicate cells lining the oesophagus, also known as the foodpipe.
Pro Tip: You don’t need to give up your morning routine. Experts suggest simply letting your cup of tea or coffee cool down a little, or adding cold milk, until the drink reaches a comfortable temperature before taking your first sip.
Despite the clear link to SCC, some researchers point out limitations in relying on self-reported data. Muy-Teck Teh, a professor of molecular oral oncology at Queen Mary University of London, cautioned that perceived drink temperature is inherently subjective. He noted that individuals who prefer very hot drinks might possess an altered thermosensation or mucosal sensitivity that reflects an underlying biological predisposition to the disease, which could complicate interpretations of direct causality.
Prevention Strategies and Broader Health Guidance
Cancer experts emphasize that simple behavioral adjustments can lower cancer rates. According to the study findings, roughly one in seven cases of SCC in the UK could be avoided if individuals who prefer very hot drinks let them cool to a standard temperature range. Medical professionals continue to stress that while managing drink temperature helps, addressing primary lifestyle factors remains crucial. As Cancer Research UK highlights, avoiding smoking and cutting down on alcohol consumption are the most effective ways to reduce overall oesophageal cancer risk.
Did You Know? International studies previously linked beverages like mate—a caffeinated herbal drink popular in South America consumed at or above 70C—to elevated cancer risks, prompting researchers to investigate whether standard Western tea and coffee drinking habits carried similar statistical threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does drinking hot coffee or tea cause all types of oesophageal cancer?
How long should I wait for my tea or coffee to cool down?
Cancer Research UK does not specify an exact number of minutes. Experts recommend simply waiting until the beverage feels comfortable to drink rather than consuming it while it is still very hot.
What temperature is considered dangerous for hot drinks?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified beverages consumed above 65C as probably carcinogenic. Western populations typically consume hot drinks at an estimated average of around 60C.
Are there other major risk factors for oesophageal cancer?
Yes. Alongside beverage temperature, health authorities confirm that smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors for developing oesophageal cancer.
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