[REVISION HISTORY]

Study on hot beverage consumption and esophageal cancer

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-04 04:27 UTC → 2026-10-07 14:50 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Research published in the International Journal of Cancer has established a link between consuming very hot beverages and an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A large-scale study led by the University of Oxford analyzed data from nearly one million adults, utilizing the Million Women Study and the UK Biobank, over approximately 11 to 14 years. Researchers defined “very hot” beverages as those reaching temperatures of 65 degrees Celsius or higher. The findings suggest that individuals who regularly consume such drinks, particularly those consuming six or more per day, face a risk of esophageal cancer approximately three times higher than those consuming lukewarm beverages. Newer analysis of the data highlights that participants who subjectively describe their drinks as ‘extra hot’ face roughly three times the risk of SCC, while those describing them as ‘hot’ face approximately double the risk. While the study identifies a strong correlation, researchers emphasize it is an observational study and does not prove that heat directly causes cancer. This aligns with previous classifications by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which labeled beverages above 65°C as ‘probably carcinogenic to humans.’ ~~Experts indicate~~ Recent medical insights have expanded the ~~risk is likely driven by repeated thermal damage~~ discussion to include the ~~esophageal lining, causing micro-injuries~~ digestive effects of coffee. Nutritional medicine expert Matthias Riedl notes that while most people can manage coffee on an empty stomach due to a protective mucus layer, certain groups—including smokers, the elderly, and ~~inflammation. While~~ those with genetically sensitive gastric mucosa—may experience heartburn or bloating without food to act as a buffer. Regarding the ~~overall probability of developing this specific~~ cancer ~~remains low, researchers noted~~ risk, updated data confirms that ~~approximately 14 percent~~ regular consumption of SCC cases could potentially be prevented if individuals switched to warm beverage consumption. The study specified that this correlation was not observed for esophageal adenocarcinoma. Health professionals recommend allowing beverages at 65 degrees Celsius or higher is linked to ~~cool for several minutes before consumption~~ up to ~~mitigate these risks.~~ a 3.17-fold increased risk of SCC.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.