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Hot Drinks Linked to Cancer: Study Reveals Risk
9 Sep
Summary
- Very hot drinks increase oesophageal cancer risk significantly.
- Drinking beverages above 65C is classified as probably carcinogenic.
- Letting drinks cool or adding milk can mitigate the risk.

Drinking beverages at very high temperatures has been linked to an increased risk of oesophageal cancer, according to the largest study on the subject. Researchers found that individuals who regularly consumed hot drinks faced a significantly higher risk of developing oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared to those who drank them warm. The risk escalated considerably for those who drank beverages at extremely high temperatures, defined by experts as above 65C.
While the overall threat to the general population remains minimal, the study provides compelling evidence. Experts suggest that simple actions, such as allowing drinks to cool slightly before consumption or adding cold milk, can effectively neutralize the associated risk. The findings, based on data from nearly a million adults, highlight the importance of moderating drink temperature as a preventative measure against this specific type of cancer. Not smoking and reducing alcohol intake are also emphasized as crucial strategies for lowering cancer risk.