A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford has established a significant link between the consumption of very hot beverages and an increased risk of oesophageal cancer. Published in the International Journal of Cancer, the research indicates that individuals who regularly drink tea or coffee at temperatures of 65°C or above are approximately three times more likely to develop this type of cancer compared to those who prefer their drinks at lower temperatures, as reported by Gulf Today.
The study, which tracked nearly one million middle-aged men and women in the UK over a period of 14 years, found that consuming six or more hot beverages daily was particularly associated with this heightened risk. Keren Papier, a senior nutritional epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health and the lead researcher, noted that the extensive sample size strengthens the existing evidence regarding the dangers of drinking very hot beverages.
Papier advised that allowing tea or coffee to cool slightly before consumption could mitigate the risk. However, she emphasized that while avoiding very hot drinks is important, other lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity are more significant contributors to oesophageal cancer risk.
The findings suggest a balanced approach to health, recommending not only the moderation of hot beverage consumption but also the cessation of smoking and reduction of alcohol intake as critical measures for lowering cancer risk. This comprehensive perspective underscores the importance of overall lifestyle choices in cancer prevention.
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