Source: Fox News
Summary
A large study by the University of Oxford found that regularly drinking very hot tea or coffee may increase the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a type of cancer that begins in the cells lining the esophagus. People who drank beverages “very hot” had about three times the risk of SCC compared to those who drank warm beverages. The study, involving nearly 1 million U.K. adults, found no link between hot drinks and esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC). Researchers noted that self-reported temperatures may vary, and the findings do not suggest people should stop drinking tea or coffee, but rather let drinks cool slightly before consuming.
Our Reading
This guidance has been heard before.
Studies link hot drinks to cancer risk, but not all cancers are affected.
Self-reported temperatures limit the study’s certainty.
Experts say other factors like smoking and alcohol are bigger risks.
The advice feels familiar, like a loop of caution and uncertainty.
Author: Evan Null
Source and Context
The article was published by Fox News, a major American news outlet known for covering health and lifestyle topics.
The study was conducted by the University of Oxford and involved nearly 1 million U.K. adults.
It was published in the International Journal of Cancer, a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Dr. Keren Papier, a nutritional epidemiologist at the University of Oxford, was the lead study author.
Dr. Aaron Sasson, a cancer specialist, provided additional commentary on the findings.
Key Findings
Drinking very hot beverages was associated with a threefold increase in the risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
People who drank six or more hot drinks per day had a 71% higher risk of SCC.
No link was found between hot drinks and esophageal adenocarcinoma (AC).
The study relied on self-reported temperatures, which may not be accurate.
Experts say other factors, like smoking and alcohol use, are more significant risk factors for esophageal cancer.
Limitations and Concerns
One major limitation was the use of self-reported drink temperatures, which may vary between individuals.
Researchers could not confirm the exact temperature of the drinks consumed.
Dr. Sasson noted that the study focused on SCC, which is less common than AC in the U.S.
The study did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between hot drinks and cancer.
Experts advise that the findings should be interpreted with caution and in the context of other known risk factors.
Expert Opinions
Dr. Keren Papier, the lead study author, emphasized that the findings do not mean people should stop drinking tea or coffee.
She suggested that letting drinks cool slightly may reduce the risk of SCC.
Dr. Aaron Sasson, a cancer specialist, agreed that the findings are biologically plausible but not definitive.
He noted that the risk of SCC is relatively low in the U.S., and other factors are more significant.
Both experts agreed that more research is needed to confirm the relationship between hot drinks and cancer.
Public Health Implications
The study highlights the potential risks of consuming very hot beverages, but the overall risk remains low.
Public health messages may need to address the temperature of drinks, especially in regions where very hot tea or coffee is common.
Health professionals may advise people to let drinks cool before consuming them.
However, the study does not suggest that hot drinks are a major cause of esophageal cancer.
More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between drink temperature and cancer risk.
