Hot Drinks Can Increase Cancer Risk?

Many of us enjoy a steaming cup of coffee or tea to start the day or unwind after a meal. But did you know that drinking beverages at very high temperatures could significantly increase your risk of esophageal cancer (EC)^[1]? According to a growing body of scientific research, it’s not just what you drink but how hot you drink it that could put your health at risk.

In this post, we’ll check what studies have revealed about hot beverages, their link to cancer, and what you can do to protect yourself.

Table of Contents

The Connection Between Hot Beverages and Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer occurs in the lining of the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the throat to the stomach. One major risk factor that is often overlooked is repeated thermal injury to the esophageal lining from consuming very hot drinks and foods.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified beverages consumed at temperatures above 149°F (65°C) as “probably carcinogenic to humans.” This classification is based on a range of epidemiological studies linking hot drink consumption with an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), one of the main types of EC.^[2][3]

What Does the Science Say?

In fact, studies show that drinking very hot tea or coffee can increase esophageal cancer risk compared to drinking the same beverages at moderate temperatures.What Does the Science Say?

A systematic review of 59 high-quality studies from countries across the world (including the U.S., South America, Asia, and Europe) provided critical insights:

1. Amount vs. Temperature

Amount Consumed: For both coffee and tea, there was no consistent evidence that drinking more of these beverages increases EC risk.
Temperature: Most studies found a statistically significant increase in risk associated with drinking beverages at high temperatures.

2. Maté Tea – A Dual Risk

Common in South America, maté is traditionally consumed hot through a metal straw, which can direct intense heat straight to the esophagus.
Studies found that both the amount and the temperature of maté consumption independently increased the risk of EC by nearly 3 times.

3. Other Hot Foods and Drinks

Research also showed that hot soups and stews could pose similar risks. In more than half of the studies, consuming these at high temperatures was associated with elevated EC risk.

How Does Heat Cause Cancer?

Repeated exposure to high temperatures may damage the esophageal lining. Here’s how:

Thermal Injury: Hot liquids can raise intra-esophageal temperature by 11°F–22°F (6°C–12°C), especially with large sips.
Inflammation: Chronic irritation leads to inflammation, which promotes cellular changes and the formation of cancer-causing compounds like nitrosamines.
Barrier Disruption: Damage to the esophageal lining may reduce its ability to protect against other carcinogens in the diet or environment.

Chemical Factors: Not All Risk Comes From Heat

Tea, coffee, and maté contain various chemical compounds that may influence cancer risk:

Flavonoids and Polyphenols: Often cited for antioxidant benefits, they can also behave as pro-oxidants at high doses, potentially causing DNA damage.^[4]
Contaminants: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), known carcinogens, have been found in black tea and maté, especially when processed or roasted.^[5]

While green tea has shown cancer-preventive effects in animal studies, human studies have produced mixed results. Some epidemiological studies suggest an inverse relationship with EC risk, particularly in East Asia where green tea is more common. However, these findings are not consistent across populations.

Chemical Factors: Not All Risk Comes From Heat

Practical Tips to Reduce Your Risk

If hot drinks are part of your daily routine, here’s how to enjoy them safely:

✅ Wait Before You Sip

Let your drink cool below 130°F (54°C) before consumption. The ideal temperature range for safety and taste is 120°F–130°F (49°C–54°C).

✅ Take Smaller Sips

Large sips retain heat longer in the mouth and throat, raising esophageal temperature dramatically. Sip slowly to minimize heat exposure.

✅ Choose Lukewarm Over Hot

Especially with maté, tea, or herbal infusions, drink them warm—not piping hot.

✅ Diversify Your Drinks

Alternate hot beverages with room-temperature or cold options like water, infused herbal teas, or fresh juices.

✅ Don’t Ignore the Soup

If you consume hot broths or stews, allow time for them to cool before eating—especially if you regularly eat them straight from the pot or microwave.

While your morning coffee or evening tea may offer comfort and even health benefits, it’s important to consider not just what you drink, but how you drink it. Evidence strongly supports a link between high-temperature beverage consumption and increased risk of esophageal cancer, especially for frequent, long-term hot drinkers.

By making simple adjustments—such as allowing your drinks to cool, sipping more slowly, and diversifying your beverage intake—you can reduce your risk significantly while still enjoying your favorite drinks.

Take care of your esophagus now, and it will take care of you for life.

Reference

⚠️ Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.

Hot Drinks Can Increase Cancer Risk?

The Connection Between Hot Beverages and Esophageal Cancer