Food pipe cancer risk: Why temperature of your tea or coffee may matter more than what you drink
New Delhi: For many people, a cup of hot tea or coffee is part of their daily routine. Some prefer their beverages piping hot and drink them immediately after preparation. However, regularly consuming drinks at extremely high temperatures may have an impact beyond burning the tongue or throat.
Research suggests that repeated exposure to very hot beverages could increase the risk of cancer of the oesophagus, commonly known as the food pipe. The concern is not about tea or coffee itself, but the temperature at which these beverages are consumed.
How can very hot beverages damage the food pipe?
The oesophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Its inner surface is covered by a protective layer of cells called the mucosal lining.
When we repeatedly drink liquids at extremely high temperatures, the heat can injure this delicate lining. The body naturally repairs the damaged cells, but repeated exposure can lead to ongoing cycles of injury, inflammation and repair.
Over time, these repeated injuries may contribute to changes in the cells lining the food pipe. Repeated damage and repair may increase the possibility of abnormal cell growth, which can eventually contribute to cancer development in some individuals. However, this does not mean that everyone who drinks very hot beverages will develop cancer.
The scientific evidence also points towards a possible link. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organisation, has classified beverages consumed above 65°C as probably carcinogenic to humans. Studies suggest that regularly drinking very hot beverages may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer, particularly oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The evidence points towards excessive heat, rather than tea or coffee themselves, as the concern. This is an association observed in research and does not establish that hot beverages alone cause cancer.
Who may be at greater risk?
Very hot beverages are only one potential risk factor. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are well-established risk factors for oesophageal cancer. Other factors, such as increasing age, chronic acid reflux and certain long-standing oesophageal conditions, may also contribute to the risk.
Having these risk factors does not mean a person will develop cancer. However, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol and addressing persistent digestive problems are important steps towards protecting oesophageal health.
What precautions can people take?
A few simple changes in daily habits can help reduce unnecessary heat exposure to the food pipe. Avoid drinking tea or coffee immediately after preparation and allow them to cool until they are comfortably warm. Do not make a habit of consuming beverages that burn your mouth or throat. Even if you drink only a few cups a day, consuming them at extremely high temperatures is best avoided. Along with this, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol can help reduce other important risk factors.
When should you consult a doctor?
It is equally important to pay attention to persistent symptoms. Difficulty swallowing, especially when it gradually worsens or begins with solid foods and later affects liquids, should not be ignored. Other symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent pain behind the breastbone, repeated vomiting or blood in vomit also require medical attention. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer, as they can occur due to several other conditions. Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may recommend an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine the food pipe and, if necessary, take a small tissue sample (biopsy) for further testing.
Drinking tea or coffee does not need to be given up to reduce the risk of oesophageal cancer. The important step is to avoid consuming them at scalding temperatures and allow them to cool before drinking. Simple changes in daily habits, along with avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol, can help protect long-term health.
(By Dr Arun Ramanan V, Consultant, Medical Oncology, Gleneagles Chennai)
Disclaimer: This article is based on the research and inputs shared by the doctor mentioned above and is intended for informational purposes only. The findings should not be considered medical advice or used for self-diagnosis or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised guidance.