Drinking Very Hot Tea and Coffee May Increase Food Pipe Cancer Risk: Experts Warn

Regularly drinking tea or coffee at extremely high temperatures may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer, also known as food pipe cancer. According to Dr Arun Ramanan V, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Gleneagles Hospital, Chennai, the concern is not the beverages themselves but the excessive heat. Repeatedly consuming scalding-hot liquids can damage the protective lining of the oesophagus, causing repeated inflammation and cellular changes that may contribute to cancer development over time. The World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified beverages consumed above 65°C as probably carcinogenic to humans.

Doctors warn that people who smoke, consume alcohol regularly, suffer from chronic acid reflux or have long-standing oesophageal conditions may face additional risks. Warning signs include difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, persistent pain behind the breastbone, repeated vomiting and blood in vomit. Experts recommend allowing tea and coffee to cool before drinking rather than consuming them immediately after preparation. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol and seeking medical advice for persistent digestive problems can also help reduce preventable risks. However, experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has cancer.