A hot cup of tea or coffee is part of the daily routine for millions of people, but drinking beverages at extremely high temperatures may not be as harmless as it seems.
Research has linked the regular consumption of very hot beverages with an increased risk of developing cancer of the esophagus, commonly known as the food pipe. The concern is particularly associated with drinks consumed at temperatures around or above 65°C.
How Extreme Heat Can Affect the Esophagus
The esophagus has a sensitive lining that can be injured by repeated exposure to scalding liquids.
When extremely hot drinks pass through the food pipe, they can cause thermal irritation and microscopic damage to its inner tissues. Repeated exposure may contribute to inflammation and ongoing tissue repair.
Over a long period, repeated cellular damage and repair may create conditions that increase the risk of abnormal cellular changes.
The concern is therefore not simply about drinking tea or coffee, but about how hot the beverage is when it is consumed.
IARC's Warning About Very Hot Drinks
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, has classified drinking very hot beverages at temperatures above 65°C as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
This classification refers specifically to the temperature of the beverage rather than to tea or coffee themselves.
Other established risk factors can further increase the likelihood of esophageal cancer. These include tobacco consumption and heavy alcohol use, which are already recognized contributors to the disease.
A Simple Habit Can Reduce Unnecessary Heat Exposure
One of the easiest precautions is simply to allow tea, coffee, soup, or other hot beverages to cool before drinking them.
Instead of consuming a drink immediately after it has been prepared, waiting several minutes can bring its temperature down to a more comfortable level.
The goal is not to avoid hot beverages altogether, but to avoid repeatedly consuming them while they are hot enough to cause burning or significant discomfort.
For people who regularly drink very hot beverages, making this small change can help reduce unnecessary thermal irritation to the esophagus.
The Bottom Line
Tea and coffee can remain part of a normal diet, but temperature matters.
If a beverage is too hot to comfortably sip, it is better to wait for it to cool. Combined with avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, this simple habit can help reduce exposure to known risk factors associated with esophageal cancer.
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