Hot beverage consumption linked to esophageal cancer risk

A large-scale study involving nearly one million people has identified a link between consuming very hot beverages and an increased risk of esophageal cancer. Research led by Dr. Keren Papier at the University of Oxford, published in the International Journal of Cancer, analyzed data from the UK Biobank and the Million Women Study.

Participants who described their drinks as ‘very hot’ faced approximately three times the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus compared to those who drank ‘warm’ beverages. Those drinking ‘hot’ beverages saw a nearly twofold increase in risk. Additionally, the frequency of consumption plays a role; drinking six or more hot beverages daily was associated with a roughly 71 percent increase in risk for squamous cell carcinoma compared to consuming fewer than six.