Drinking very hot tea and coffee can triple your risk of cancer, Oxford study finds

LONDON — A major study conducted by the University of Oxford has found that drinking very hot tea and coffee can triple the risk of oesophageal cancer, specifically oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The study, which analyzed data from nearly 980,000 UK adults, discovered that individuals who preferred their drinks "very hot" had approximately three times the risk of developing SCC compared to those who drank warm beverages. This finding has significant implications for public health, as oesophageal cancer is a serious disease with around 9,500 cases diagnosed annually in the UK. The study's results suggest that the temperature at which hot drinks are consumed plays a crucial role in the development of oesophageal SCC. Participants who reported drinking six or more hot beverages daily had a 71% higher risk of SCC compared to those who consumed fewer than six hot drinks per day. While the exact temperature threshold for increased cancer risk is still unclear, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has previously classified drinking very hot beverages (above 65C) as "probably carcinogenic" to humans. Experts believe that very hot drinks may damage the cells lining the oesophagus, increasing the chance of cancer developing. According to Independent, Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, stated that "while the risk of being diagnosed with this cancer remains relatively low in the UK, this research does add to the evidence that drinking very hot drinks could increase the risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma."

Understanding Oesophageal Cancer

Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus, a muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. There are two main types of oesophageal cancer: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of oesophageal cancer in Western countries, while SCC is more common in other parts of the world. According to Express, oesophageal cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK, with around 9,500 cases diagnosed annually.

Potential Mechanisms and Limitations

The exact mechanisms by which hot drinks increase the risk of oesophageal SCC are still unclear. However, experts believe that very hot drinks may damage the cells lining the oesophagus, increasing the chance of cancer developing. The study's reliance on self-reported temperatures is a limitation, as it may be subject to subjective bias. Muy-Teck Teh, a professor of molecular oral oncology at Queen Mary University of London, noted that "perceived drink temperature is inherently subjective, and it remains unclear whether individuals who tolerate or prefer very hot drinks have altered thermosensation or mucosal sensitivity that might itself reflect underlying biological predisposition to squamous cell carcinoma." As reported by Arynews, the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified drinking very hot beverages (above 65C) as "probably carcinogenic" to humans in 2016.

Practical Advice for Reducing Risk

While the study's findings are significant, it is essential to note that the overall risk of oesophageal cancer remains relatively low in the UK. However, individuals can take practical steps to reduce their risk. According to Plymouthherald, experts agree that adding cold milk or simply allowing drinks to cool before drinking can negate the risk. Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, suggested that individuals wait until their hot drinks are comfortable to drink rather than drinking them while they are still very hot.

Broader Context and Expert Opinions

The study's findings have significant implications for public health, particularly in the UK where oesophageal cancer is a serious disease. According to The Guardian, health authorities could use these findings to encourage the public to consume cooler drinks and fewer very hot drinks to help reduce the risk of oesophageal SCC. Dr Keren Papier, lead researcher and senior nutritional epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health, noted that "more research is now needed to identify the exact drink temperatures linked to this increased risk." The study's findings are consistent with previous research conducted in other parts of the world, which found that drinking tea or mate at high temperatures increased the risk of oesophageal cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)?

Oesophageal SCC is a type of cancer that affects the oesophagus, a muscular tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach.

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How can I reduce my risk of oesophageal SCC?

Experts agree that adding cold milk or simply allowing drinks to cool before drinking can negate the risk. Additionally, not smoking and cutting down on alcohol can also reduce the risk of oesophageal SCC.

What is the difference between oesophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma?

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are two different types of oesophageal cancer. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of oesophageal cancer in Western countries, while SCC is more common in other parts of the world.

the study's findings suggest that drinking very hot tea and coffee can triple the risk of oesophageal SCC. While the exact temperature threshold for increased cancer risk is still unclear, experts agree that adding cold milk or simply allowing drinks to cool before drinking can negate the risk. As noted by Independent, Dr Keren Papier, lead researcher and senior nutritional epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health, emphasized that "more research is now needed to identify the exact drink temperatures linked to this increased risk." Individuals can take practical steps to reduce their risk by waiting for their hot drinks to cool before consumption. Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between hot drinks and oesophageal cancer, and to identify the exact temperature threshold for increased cancer risk. For more information on oesophageal cancer and its prevention, visit Archypedia's Health section or Cancer Research UK's official website.