Hot Beverages Triple Esophageal Cancer Risk, Oxford Study Reveals
A groundbreaking new study from the University of Oxford has confirmed a significant correlation between the consumption of very hot beverages and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. The research, the largest of its kind to date, was published in the International Journal of Cancer and funded by Cancer Research UK.
The study analyzed the health data of nearly 980,000 UK adults over a span of more than 14 years, drawing from the UK Biobank and the Million Women Study.
Findings revealed that individuals who regularly consumed tea or coffee at “very hot” temperatures (65°C or above) were approximately three times more likely to develop oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) compared to those who drank warm beverages. Furthermore, the consumption of six or more hot drinks per day was associated with a 71% higher risk of the disease.
Lead researcher Dr. Keren Papier, senior nutritional epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health, emphasized that the large sample size provides critical evidence to the growing body of research on this topic. Experts hypothesize that very hot drinks may cause physical damage to the cells lining the oesophagus, thereby increasing the likelihood of cancerous changes over time.
Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, offered a simple piece of advice: “Let a cuppa cool down a little before taking a sip.” She also highlighted that not smoking and reducing alcohol consumption remain the most effective ways to lower the risk of this type of cancer. While the overall risk in the UK is still described as relatively low, the findings serve as a significant wake-up call for millions of daily hot-drink enthusiasts.
Source: Fox News Health – September 11, 2026