Hot drinks increase the risk of esophageal cancer

British scientists have identified a link between regular consumption of very hot drinks and a significant increase in the risk of esophageal cancer. And this is not the only study with such conclusions.

The tradition of drinking hot tea or coffee is widespread. Studies confirm that tea can calm the nervous system, promote concentration, and even reduce the risk of depression. But if the drink is constantly consumed too hot, it harms the body.

According to recent data from the UK, just a few cups of very hot drinks a day increase the risk of developing esophageal cancer.

The results of an analysis of data from nearly 455,000 adults from the UK Biobank database have been published. They were observed for an average of 11.6 years.

The researchers found that those who drank eight or more cups of very hot beverages daily had a 5.6 times higher risk of esophageal cancer than people who preferred warm beverages or avoided them altogether. Even four cups a day almost doubled the risk.

The study focused on a specific type of cancer — squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, which is the most common type of cancer in this organ. It develops in the upper parts of the esophagus. For adenocarcinoma, which occurs more often in the lower part, no dependence on temperature was found.

Scientists emphasize that it is not the drink itself that matters. It could be tea, coffee, or mate — it makes no difference. The determining factor is temperature. Very hot liquids constantly irritate the mucous membrane, causing tissue damage that can develop into cancer over time.

Other studies

These findings are confirmed by a study conducted at Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Scientists have found that an increased risk arises not only from drinking tea, but also from other hot beverages, including cocoa. Constant irritation of the mucous membrane leads to microdamage and chronic inflammation, which in the long term can cause changes in DNA and trigger the development of malignant tumors.

The study covered more than 50,000 people aged 40 to 75. Over a period of four years, researchers recorded their habits and then monitored their health for another ten years. During this time, 317 participants developed esophageal cancer, and the vast majority admitted to drinking tea at a temperature of about 70 °C.

In Turkey, Asian countries, South America, and Iran, tea is traditionally drunk very hot. According to another study, it is in these regions that the highest number of cases of esophageal cancer is recorded.

A study by scientists at Peking University revealed even more alarming facts. Unlike Iran, where alcohol consumption and smoking are not so widespread, these habits are very common among Chinese men.

It turned out that the risk of esophageal cancer increases fivefold if hot tea is combined with tobacco use and at least 15 grams of alcohol per day.

Experts note that all beverages with a temperature below 60 °C are considered safe. Therefore, specialists advise not to rush and to allow tea or coffee to cool down a little — at least four minutes before consumption. This simple rule helps to avoid harmful effects on the esophageal mucosa and reduces the risk of developing dangerous diseases.

Schneider Children's Medical Center Israel,Petah TikvaLeave a request

Sant Joan de Déu Children's Hospital Spain,BarcelonaLeave a request

Published: 22.08.2025

Updated: 23.08.2025

Medical author, Medical editor:

Stepan Yuk

Medical expert:

PhD. Olexandr Voznyak