How you drink your morning coffee could increase your risk of cancer by up to SIX times
A study published earlier this year by researchers from the National Cancer Institute found that someone who drank eight or more cups a day of very hot tea or coffee was 5.6 times more likely to develop esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), compared to someone who didn't drink hot drinks.
Researchers used data from more than 500,000 participants included in the UK Biobank, who provided information around their consumption of hot drinks.
Having up to four cups of 'very hot' liquids a day increased the risk of ESCC by 2.5 times. Four to six cups of very hot liquids carried a 3.7-times higher risk of the cancer, and six to eight cups was associated with 4.8-fold increased risk.
For hot beverages, up to four cups a day carried an increased risk of 1.6 times. Four to six cups a day was associated with an increased cancer risk of two times; six to eight cups carried a 2.5-fold higher risk; and more than eight was associated with a three-times higher risk.
The researchers said their findings, published in the British Journal of Cancer, build on previous research that suggests beverages at very hot temperatures, more than 149 degrees Fahrenheit, are 'probably carcinogenic to humans'.
The ideal brewing temperature for coffee is generally between 195 to 205F. For tea, the optimal brewing temperature varies by type, but is often around 175 to 212F.
This places hot beverages in the same risk category as things like emissions from indoor wood smoke or consuming high amounts of red meat.
However, people typically drink coffee and tea at slightly cooler temperatures, often between 120 to 155F.
It is believed that hot drinks might cause damage to the body by burning cells, which may lead to inflammation that damages genes and makes it more likely that cancer develops.
Vincent Ho, associate professor and clinical academic gastroenterologist at Western Sydney University, wrote for The Conversation: 'Drinking a lot of very hot drinks can damage cells in the esophagus lining, and it's believed over time this can lead to cancer developing. Researchers first proposed this link almost 90 years ago.
'What we know about how hot drinks can damage the esophagus mainly comes from animal studies.
'Another theory is that heat damage to the esophagus lining weakens its normal barrier, increasing the risk of further damage from gastric acid reflux (from the stomach).
'Over time, this chronic damage can increase the chance of esophageal cancer developing.'
It is also thought that tissues damaged by the hot liquids may become more vulnerable to other things that can cause cancer, like alcohol and chemicals in tobacco smoke.
The team at the National Cancer Institute stated that 'individuals who like their beverages very hot might benefit from reducing the temperature of their drinks, at least with regards to their risk of esophageal cancer'.
This year, experts predict more than 22,000 new esophageal cancer cases will be diagnosed with just over 16,000 deaths from the disease.
Esophageal cancer starts at the inside lining of the esophagus and spreads outward through the other layers as it grows.
Symptoms often include difficulty swallowing, unintended weight loss, and chest pain or discomfort.
These symptoms can be subtle at first but tend to worsen as the cancer progresses.
Other possible symptoms include a persistent cough, hoarseness, and heartburn that gets worse.
While there aren't routine screening tests for esophageal cancer, various procedures can help diagnose it, including endoscopy with biopsy, imaging scans, and specialized tests like the Cytosponge.
Endoscopy allows for direct visualization and tissue sampling, while imaging helps determine the extent of the cancer.
The Cytosponge, a newer test, involves swallowing a sponge to collect cells for analysis.
Sometimes, healthcare providers can do surgery to remove small tumors.
However, because only 25 percent of people with this cancer receive a diagnosis before the cancer spreads, it can make it more difficult to treat.
Esophageal cancer poses a challenge for early diagnosis because it often doesn't present with noticeable symptoms until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
Late diagnosis significantly increases the danger of esophageal cancer.
Localized esophageal cancer (stage I) has a five-year survival rate of around 46 percent, while stage IV cancers, which have spread to distant organs, have a very low five-year survival rate of only about five percent.
A majority of Americans consume hot drinks daily.
It is estimated that around two thirds drink coffee daily, making it the most popular hot beverage.
According to one study in 2018, the ideal temperature for drinking coffee, taking into account both the risk of esophageal injury and the preservation of flavor, was found to be approximately 136F.
Researchers said this temperature allows for a pleasant drinking experience while minimizing potential harm to the esophagus.
Offering some other tips to safe drinking, Professor Ho adds: 'Slow down, take your time and enjoy.
'Allowing time for a very hot drink to cool is important and research has shown a hot drink's temperature can drop by 50F to 59F in five minutes.
'Finally, small sips are a good idea to test the temperature, given we know having a large amount has a significant impact on the temperature inside the esophagus and potential damage to its lining.'
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