Hot Drinks Linked to Higher Esophageal Cancer Risk

Sep 15, 2026

75 min

Sep 15, 2026 12:31

Drinking scorching coffee or tea triples oesophageal cancer risk, study finds

## Study Overview

A recent study from Oxford University, published in the International Journal of Cancer, has found a significant link between consuming very hot beverages and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. The research tracked nearly one million middle-aged adults in the UK, revealing that those who regularly drank tea or coffee at temperatures above 65°C (149°F) faced a threefold increase in cancer risk compared to those who consumed cooler drinks.

## Temperature and Risk

The study highlights that drinks poured immediately after boiling can reach temperatures of 90–95°C, exceeding the risk threshold. Adding milk can reduce the temperature, but not always sufficiently. Consuming six or more hot drinks daily further compounds the risk.

## Understanding the Mechanism

The researchers suggest that repeated exposure to hot liquids can damage the esophagus lining, potentially leading to cancerous changes over time. Despite the increased relative risk, esophageal cancer remains relatively rare, with a lifetime risk of about 1% in the UK.

## Expert Insights

Dr. Keren Papier, who led the study, emphasizes the need for further research to determine the precise temperatures that pose the greatest danger. Meanwhile, Cancer Research UK advises that avoiding very hot drinks could prevent 10–20% of esophageal cancer cases, though smoking and alcohol consumption remain the primary risk factors.

## Practical Advice

Experts recommend waiting for drinks to cool if they feel too hot to sip comfortably. Warning signs of esophageal cancer include persistent heartburn, swallowing pain, throat or chest discomfort, and unexplained weight loss.

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