Hot coffee may raise oesophageal cancer risk: UAE doctors explain the 65°C threshold
Most of us have done it: taken that first impatient sip of coffee straight from the machine, then immediately regretted it as the heat hits the tongue and throat. Tea gets the same treatment, especially when we're in a hurry and don't want to wait for the cup to cool. New research suggests that habit may carry more than a burned tongue's worth of consequences. Daily tea linked to stronger hip…
A recent study conducted by Oxford University has revealed an intriguing link between consuming very hot beverages and an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. Researchers analyzed data from nearly one million middle-aged adults in the UK, discovering that those who habitually drank their tea or coffee at very hot temperatures faced a roughly three times higher risk compared to those who consumed their drinks at lower temperatures.
While coffee itself is not the culprit, the heat is what poses the threat. According to the study, a drink is considered "very hot" if it reaches 65°C (149°F), which is considerably hotter than what most people find comfortable. Even freshly boiled water and tea poured shortly after can reach temperatures between 90-95°C. This heat can cause significant damage over time, irritating and injuring the delicate lining of the oesophagus when repeatedly exposed.
However, it is important to note that 65°C is not an absolute cutoff, and it is only when the evidence linking hot beverages to a heightened risk of oesophageal cancer becomes strong enough to warrant concern. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified very hot beverages as "probably carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2A) based on epidemiological data from cultures where drinking very hot beverages is a common practice.
While the study does raise awareness about the potential risks associated with consuming very hot beverages, it is essential to consider other factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, age, diet, and overall health. Dr. Marwan Ibrahim, a Specialist Family Medicine at Medcare Medical Centre, emphasizes that the study serves as a warning about an avoidable risk factor rather than a reason to avoid tea altogether.
Similarly, Dr. Jamila Khan, a Specialist Gastroenterologist at Aster Cedars Hospital & Clinic, highlights that the risk is related to the repeated, regular intake of hot drinks over an extended period, and not just an occasional hot cup.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
