A major study from Oxford University involving almost a million UK adults found that drinking very hot tea and coffee may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. Funded by Cancer Research UK, the researchers analyzed data collected across the country and found clear evidence linking hot drinks to the disease, although the overall risk remains minimal. While previous research has pointed to a similar correlation, this latest project provides the most thorough examination of the issue to date. Participants who reported enjoying hot drinks faced a cancer risk that was approximately 1.7 times higher than those who preferred warm drinks. This figure is about three times the risk for people who drank them very hot. Drinking six or more hot drinks a day also increases the likelihood of this happening, compared with drinking fewer than six drinks a day. Although exact temperatures were not recorded in the study, the International Agency for Research on Cancer declared drinks with temperatures above 65°C “probably carcinogenic” back in 2016. Experts agree that adding cold milk or simply chilling drinks before drinking can negate the risk. A new study has found that the temperature at which coffee and tea are drunk among Western populations is estimated to be around 60°C. Fiona Osgun, head of health information at Cancer Research UK, said: “Although the risk of being diagnosed with this cancer in the UK remains relatively low, this study adds to the evidence that drinking very hot drinks may increase the risk of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Experts agreed that allowing drinks to cool before drinking or adding cold milk could negate the risk. (Alami/Pennsylvania) “However, there is a simple step people can take: let the cup of tea cool slightly before taking a sip. “And the most important ways to reduce your risk of developing this type of cancer are to stop smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption.” Experts believe that very hot drinks can damage the cells lining the esophagus, which may increase the likelihood of developing cancer. For the new study, experts at Oxford Population Health at the University of Oxford looked at data from around 980,000 adults, combining two large British studies – the UK Biobank and the Million Women Study. The two main types of esophageal cancer are adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Although drink temperature had an effect on the risk of squamous cell carcinoma in the study, there was no clear effect on the risk of adenocarcinoma. Overall, there are around 9,500 cases of oesophageal cancer every year in the UK. The lifetime risk of squamous cell carcinoma in the UK is around 1%. Symptoms of esophageal cancer National Health Service There are many possible symptoms of esophageal cancer, but they can be difficult to detect. They can affect your digestion, for example: problems swallowing (dysphagia) feel or be sick heartburn or acid reflux symptoms of an upset stomach, such as excessive burping Other symptoms include: cough that won’t go away hoarse voice loss of appetite or weight loss without trying feeling tired or lacking energy pain in the throat or middle of the chest, especially when swallowing black poop or coughing up blood (although this is rare) Dr Keren Papier, lead researcher and senior nutritional epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health, said: “International research has long shown that drinking drinks such as yerba mate at very high temperatures, as is typical in South America, is associated with an increased risk of some oesophageal cancers. “What has been less clear is whether this also applies to the temperatures at which hot drinks are typically consumed by Western populations. “This is the largest study to date on this issue in the UK population, where many people drink tea and coffee every day. “This adds to existing evidence that drinking very hot drinks may increase the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. “More research is now needed to determine the exact beverage temperature associated with this increased risk.” Post navigation Transfer rumours, news: Manchester United deal blow as Hall agrees new contract with Newcastle Harry Maguire’s goal against Ipswich upheld by KMI despite clear handball
Symptoms of esophageal cancer National Health Service There are many possible symptoms of esophageal cancer, but they can be difficult to detect. They can affect your digestion, for example: problems swallowing (dysphagia) feel or be sick heartburn or acid reflux symptoms of an upset stomach, such as excessive burping Other symptoms include: cough that won’t go away hoarse voice loss of appetite or weight loss without trying feeling tired or lacking energy pain in the throat or middle of the chest, especially when swallowing black poop or coughing up blood (although this is rare)