New Study Links Very Hot Drinks to Higher Cancer Risk

Many people enjoy starting their day with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, but new research suggests that this simple habit might come with a hidden health cost. A large study published this week in the International Journal of Cancer has found that consuming drinks at a “very hot” temperature could triple the risk of developing a specific form of throat cancer. This research, led by Dr. Keren Papier at the University of Oxford, provides the most detailed look yet at how our daily beverage habits affect our long-term health.

This latest report builds on previous discussions regarding lifestyle risks, such as the impact of microplastics on our bodies. While earlier studies have touched upon the dangers of high-temperature liquids, this new research is significant because of its size. According to The Guardian Health, the study followed nearly 980,000 people in the UK over a period of 14 years. This makes it the largest study of its kind ever conducted, offering a clear picture of how temperature and the frequency of drinking affect the body’s food pipe, also known as the oesophagus.

The study specifically looked at oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of cancer that affects the lining of the food pipe. The researchers found that people who preferred their drinks to be “very hot” were three times more likely to develop this condition compared to those who drank their beverages at a “warm” temperature. Interestingly, the study did not find the same link for adenocarcinoma, which is the other common form of oesophageal cancer. This suggests that the physical heat itself is the primary problem, rather than the ingredients in the tea or coffee.

According to the researchers, the danger comes from the heat causing damage to the cells that line the food pipe. Over time, this repeated damage may lead to the development of cancer. The study also noted that drinking six or more hot drinks every day was associated with a 71% increase in the risk of SCC, even after accounting for the temperature of the drinks. This indicates that both how hot the drink is and how often you consume it play a role in your overall risk level.

These findings are not entirely new to the global scientific community. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is part of the World Health Organization, previously stated in 2016 that hot drinks are “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This means they are likely to cause cancer. Similar studies conducted in Asia, Africa, South America, and the Middle East have also shown that drinking liquids at or above 70 degrees Celsius increases the risk of throat cancer. The new UK study confirms that these risks are not limited to one region or culture, but are a concern for anyone who regularly consumes very hot beverages.

While the news might sound worrying, the researchers believe that simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. The study team suggested that health authorities could use these results to encourage the public to let their drinks cool down before consuming them. In fact, the researchers estimated that one in seven cases of SCC in the UK could be avoided if people simply chose to drink their tea or coffee at a “hot” or “warm” temperature instead of “very hot.”

It is important to remember that heat is not the only factor involved in this type of cancer. The study noted that alcohol and smoking remain major risk factors for oesophageal cancer. However, by adjusting the temperature of our daily drinks, we have a simple and effective way to lower one specific health risk. Experts emphasize that you do not need to stop drinking tea or coffee altogether. Instead, the goal is to be more mindful of the temperature. By waiting just a few extra minutes for your cup to reach a comfortable, warm temperature, you are taking a proactive step toward protecting your throat health in the long run.

As scientists continue to study the links between our daily habits and long-term health, this research serves as a useful reminder. Small, everyday choices—like how hot we like our morning beverage—can have a lasting impact on our bodies. By paying attention to these details, we can make informed decisions that support our well-being for years to come.