The Habit That Sends Cancer Risk Soaring
Most of us have a daily ritual that feels almost sacred. It kickstarts the morning, brings comfort, and even delivers proven health benefits.
But new research shows that when you do it the wrong way, this same habit could quietly send your cancer risk skyrocketing.
In fact, your risk could climb more than 600 percent.
Let’s take a closer look at what scientists uncovered—so you can keep the benefits of your favorite ritual without paying the ultimate price.
A large study of almost half a million adults published in the British Journal of Cancer found that drinking more piping hot drinks like tea and coffee is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer.
In fact, drinking extremely high amounts—eight or more cups daily—puts you at a six times higher risk compared to people who don’t consume hot beverages.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this link, of course. Previous research has hinted at this connection.
For example, studies in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia—where it is common to consume extremely hot herbal beverages—have raised the alarm about their connection to esophageal cancer.
The Agency for Research on Cancer even classified drinking beverages above 65 degrees Celsius (149 degrees Fahrenheit) as a probable human carcinogen.
The problem with consuming piping-hot drinks is simple—it can damage the cells that line your esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food and drink from your throat to your stomach.
Over time, this resulting inflammation can trigger cellular changes that eventually lead to cancer.
But you can still reap your favorite brews benefits without sending your risk soaring.
- Sip, don’t gulp. Studies show that sipping hot drinks is generally safer than gulping them.
- Keep your cool. Simply allowing your drink to cool down a bit first—to 140°F (60°C) or below—could reduce your risk.
- Cool it down. Adding a splash of cream or cold water can bring the temperature down to a safer level.
So, by all means, enjoy your coffee and tea—and the benefits that come with them. Just make sure they’re not scalding hot and that you’re savoring them with sips.
They say the best things in life are meant to be savored—it turns out this applies to coffee and tea as well.
View Sources
Inoue-Choi, M., Ramirez, Y., O’Connell, C. et al. Hot beverage intake and oesophageal cancer in the UK Biobank: prospective cohort study. Br J Cancer 132, 652–659 (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41416-025-02953-2
