Nov 2026 : Regularly drinking tea or coffee at extremely high temperatures may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer, also known as food pipe cancer, health experts have warned. However, the concern is not about the beverages themselves but the excessive heat at which they are consumed.
According to Dr Arun Ramanan V, Consultant – Medical Oncology at Gleneagles Chennai, repeatedly exposing the oesophagus to scalding-hot liquids can damage its protective inner lining and may contribute to cellular changes over time. He emphasised that allowing beverages to cool before drinking them is a simple precaution that can help reduce this potential risk.
The oesophagus is a muscular tube that carries food and liquids from the mouth to the stomach. Its inner surface is protected by a layer of cells known as the mucosal lining. Regular consumption of extremely hot beverages can injure this delicate tissue, triggering repeated cycles of inflammation and repair.
While the body has a natural ability to repair damaged cells, repeated exposure to excessive heat may lead to changes in the cells lining the oesophagus. Over time, these changes could increase the possibility of abnormal cell growth and potentially contribute to the development of cancer in some individuals.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified the consumption of beverages above 65 degrees Celsius as probably carcinogenic to humans. Scientific research has particularly linked very hot beverages with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, one of the major types of food pipe cancer.
Dr Ramanan clarified that this classification does not mean that drinking tea or coffee will inevitably cause cancer. Rather, the available evidence identifies excessive temperature as the potential risk, not the beverages themselves.
He pointed out that consuming very hot liquids is only one among several factors associated with oesophageal cancer. Tobacco use and alcohol consumption are established risk factors. Increasing age, chronic acid reflux and certain long-standing conditions affecting the oesophagus may also contribute to the likelihood of developing the disease.
People who smoke or regularly consume alcohol should be particularly cautious about their oesophageal health. Persistent acid reflux and other continuing digestive problems should also be medically evaluated instead of being ignored.
The doctor said people do not need to give up their daily tea or coffee to protect themselves. A practical measure is to allow hot beverages to cool sufficiently before drinking them. Tea and coffee should be consumed at a comfortably warm temperature rather than when they are hot enough to burn the mouth or throat.
Along with avoiding scalding-hot drinks, people should stay away from tobacco, limit alcohol consumption and seek medical advice for persistent digestive complaints. These steps can help reduce exposure to preventable risk factors.
Dr Ramanan also highlighted certain warning signs that should prompt medical attention. These include difficulty in swallowing, particularly when the problem progressively worsens, and difficulty swallowing solid food that may eventually extend to liquids. Other symptoms include unexplained weight loss, persistent pain behind the breastbone, repeated vomiting and blood in vomit.
He cautioned that progressive difficulty in swallowing should never be overlooked. Unexplained weight loss, continuing chest discomfort and blood in vomit also require prompt medical evaluation.
However, the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has cancer. They can also occur due to several other medical conditions. Depending on the patient's symptoms and medical history, doctors may recommend an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to examine the oesophagus. A small tissue sample may be collected for a biopsy if required to establish the diagnosis.
Dr Ramanan reiterated that people can continue enjoying their regular cups of tea and coffee without unnecessary concern, provided they avoid consuming them at scalding temperatures. Allowing beverages to cool, avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol are simple measures that can help reduce preventable risks and support long-term oesophageal health.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
