Hot Beverages and Esophageal Cancer: What Science Says

Whether you enjoy tea, coffee, or any other hot drink, warm beverages are comforting—especially during colder months. But research has shown that drinking very hot liquids may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Is There a Link Between Hot Drinks and Cancer?

• No evidence connects hot drinks to throat cancer.

• Evidence linking them to stomach cancer remains unclear.

• But strong evidence shows a connection between very hot drinks and esophageal cancer.

In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified drinking beverages hotter than 65°C (149°F) as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” The key factor here is temperature, not the type of drink.

• Studies from South America found a strong link between drinking yerba maté (often consumed at ~70°C) and higher esophageal cancer risk.

• Similar findings have been reported in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

• A large UK study of nearly half a million adults showed that people who drank eight or more cups of very hot tea or coffee daily were about six times more likely to develop esophageal cancer compared to those who didn’t.

Why Might Hot Drinks Increase Cancer Risk?

The idea dates back to the 1930s, when scientists suspected that very hot drinks damage the lining of the esophagus, forcing cells to regenerate rapidly. Repeated injury and repair increase the chances of mutations that may lead to cancer.

• Animal studies have confirmed this: mice given water at 70°C developed esophageal tumors more quickly than those drinking cooler water.

• Another theory is that hot liquids weaken the esophageal lining, making it more vulnerable to acid reflux damage, which over time raises cancer risk.

Practical Advice

• Avoid drinking tea, coffee, or other liquids while they are still very hot.

• Let drinks cool for a few minutes before consumption—ideally below 65°C.

• Small lifestyle changes like this may significantly reduce long-term cancer risk.

✅ Key Takeaway: It’s not what you drink, but how hot you drink it that matters. Letting your hot beverages cool slightly could protect your esophagus and lower your risk of cancer.