Warning: Drinking coffee this way can increase the risk of cancer

Dr. Vincent Ho, Associate Professor of Gastroenterology at Western Sydney University (Australia), has warned that drinking coffee can do more harm than good: It is too hot coffee, according to the medical journal The Conversation .

Drinks above 65°C 'may cause cancer'

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified drinks above 65 °C as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. The main reason is that the temperature is too high.

This claim stems from South American studies, where studies found that drinking hot drinks at temperatures around 70°C increased the risk of esophageal cancer.

Additionally, studies in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have also confirmed similar links.

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What does the latest research say?

The large-scale study by Cancer Research UK and the US National Cancer Institute, conducted in 2025, included 454,796 participants, with an average age of nearly 57, who were followed for 11.6 years.

The results found that people who drank hot or very hot tea and coffee had a higher rate of esophageal cancer. Specifically as follows:

For hot coffee. Drinking 1-4 cups a day increases the risk of esophageal cancer by 62%. 4-6 cups increases the risk by 97%. 6-8 cups increases the risk by 2.48 times. More than 8 cups increases the risk by more than 3 times.

For very hot coffee. Notably, very hot coffee increased the risk of esophageal cancer the most.

Drinking 1-4 cups a day increases the risk by 2.52 times. 4-6 cups increases the risk by 3.67 times. 6-8 cups increases the risk by 4.75 times. More than 8 cups increases the risk by 5.64 times, according to The Conversation .

Other studies on hot food consumption

Additionally, a recent meta-analysis of eight studies also found that drinking very hot tea increased the risk of esophageal cancer by 94%, according to The Conversation.

Other studies in China and Japan have also shown that drinking hot or very hot beverages increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Why can hot food cause cancer?

Drinking very hot drinks can damage the lining of the esophagus, causing inflammation and increasing the risk of cancer over time. In experiments on mice, those who drank water at 70°C developed precancerous lesions more quickly than those who drank warm water.

Additionally, heat damage can weaken the protective barrier of the esophagus, making it easier for stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. Over time, repeated damage can create conditions that are favorable for esophageal cancer to develop.

How does drinking affect?

The risk depends not only on the temperature but also on the amount consumed at one time and the speed at which it is consumed. Research measuring the temperature of the esophagus while drinking coffee at 65°C found that a large sip (20ml) can cause the internal temperature to increase by up to 12°C. If repeated frequently, the damage is more severe, according to The Conversation.

Conversely, a small sip at 65°C is unlikely to cause long-term harm, but drinking large amounts is a distinct risk factor over time.

Tips for drinking coffee and tea safely

To protect the esophagus while still preserving the flavor, researchers have suggested the ideal temperature for coffee is 57.8°C - warm enough to enjoy but not burning the lining.

So, experts advise to wait. Let the drink cool for about 5 minutes; the temperature may drop 10 - 15°C during this time.

Drink small sips to check temperature and avoid esophageal injury.

Bottom Line: Drinking very hot beverages may increase your risk of esophageal cancer over time. Slow down, let your favorite cup of coffee cool down, and sip it to protect your digestive health.