Health
Very hot beverages linked to heightened oesophageal cancer risk, study finds
Consuming drinks at 65 degrees Celsius or higher increases oesophageal cancer risk, BBC News reports.
The short version
- A study of nearly one million people linked drinking very hot beverages to an increased risk of oesophageal cancer.[BBC News]
- People who consumed drinks at or above 65 degrees Celsius faced roughly three times the risk compared to warm beverage drinkers.[BBC News]
- Consuming six or more hot drinks daily was also found to heighten the risk of developing the cancer.[BBC News]
- Researchers note that further studies are required to pinpoint the exact temperature thresholds driving the risk.[BBC News]
Key facts
- An Oxford University study of 977,282 middle-aged individuals found that consuming drinks at 65 degrees Celsius or higher triples the risk of oesophageal cancer compared to warm drinks.[BBC News]
- Drinking six or more hot beverages daily further increases the risk of developing oesophageal cancer.[BBC News]
- Researchers estimate that roughly 10% to 20% of oesophageal cancer cases could be prevented if people avoided very hot beverages.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- Lead researcher Dr. Keren Papier stated that further research is required to determine the exact beverage temperatures associated with the heightened cancer risk.[BBC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- Very hot drinks may damage the food pipe and increase cancer riskBBC News - Health