Researchers at the University of Oxford report that drinking very hot beverages may increase the risk of oesophageal cancer. The study finds that people who drink coffee or tea at extremely high temperatures are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma than those who drink it at lower, “warm” temperatures.
The Daily Mail describes the increase as about three times higher among those who consume their drinks at very high heat. Both outlets frame the findings around a dose-and-temperature relationship, suggesting that repeated exposure to high temperatures may contribute to damage in the oesophagus over time. The coverage focuses on the association rather than proving that hot drinks directly cause cancer. Further details such as the study design, participant numbers, and how temperature was measured are not provided in the excerpts.
Overall, the reports agree on the key message: very hot coffee or tea is associated with increased squamous cell carcinoma risk, with the magnitude reported as roughly threefold compared with warmer consumption.
