Archive · 19 Aug 2025
Hot Drinks Linked to Cancer: The Risks and Safe Consumption
Drinking very hot drinks, like coffee or tea, might be bad for your health.
Scientists have found a link between drinking hot drinks and cancer of the esophagus, the tube that carries food to your stomach.
The heat can damage the cells in your esophagus over time.
If you drink very hot drinks often and in large amounts, you may have a greater chance of developing this cancer.
To stay safe, let your drinks cool a bit before you sip them, and take small sips.
Very hot drinks (over 65°C) are classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans".
Studies link drinking very hot beverages to a higher risk of esophageal cancer.
Drinking large amounts of very hot drinks may damage the esophageal lining over time.
A study found those drinking eight or more cups of very hot tea/coffee daily were more likely to develop esophageal cancer.
Tips for safe consumption include taking small sips, allowing drinks to cool, and avoiding large quantities at once.
- Who
- Researchers and health agencies have investigated the link between hot drink consumption and cancer.
- What
- Drinking very hot beverages is linked to an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
- When
- Research over many years, with recent studies in the UK.
- Where
- Studies have been conducted globally, with the link established in regions like South America, the Middle East, and the UK.
- Why
- Very hot drinks can damage the esophageal lining over time, which may lead to cancer development.
Health Risk
Personal Behavior
Risk Factors
Health Risk
Drinking very hot beverages increases esophageal cancer risk.
Personal Behavior
There may be individual sensitivities or other contributing factors besides temperature.
- Carcinogen Classification
- Drinking very hot beverages is "probably carcinogenic to humans"
- Safe Temperature
- Optimum temperature for coffee is suggested to be 57.8°C
- Temperature Impact
- A large sip (20ml) of 65°C coffee can raise esophagus temperature by up to 12°C
- Risk Group
- Those drinking 8+ cups of very hot tea/coffee daily were more likely to develop cancer
- Cooling Rate
- Drinks can drop 10-15°C in 5 minutes.