Drinking very hot beverages could damage the food pipe, increase cancer risk

Regularly drinking very hot beverages like tea and coffee increases the risk of oesophageal cancer, according to UK research reported by BBC. The study, conducted by Oxford University and covering nearly a million people, found that those who drank “very hot” beverages had about three times higher risk than those who drank warm tea or coffee.

Lead researcher Dr Keren Papier said drinks at 65 degrees Celsius or above pose a potential risk, with steaming liquid capable of damaging the food pipe’s lining. Consuming six or more hot drinks daily also raised the risk. Cancer Research UK’s Fiona Osgun noted that avoiding smoking and reducing alcohol remain the most effective ways to lower oesophageal cancer risk overall.