We are Indians, and of course, we love our chai piping hot and our samosas scalding.
If that means burning our tongues, so be it. Food is a major love language for Indians and is better served hot than cold. But what if we told you that this much-loved habit of consuming piping hot beverages and food could be quietly harming us?
Studies suggest that the consumption of extremely hot beverages, such as tea or coffee, has been associated with a potential increase in cancer risk, particularly in relation to oesophagal cancer. So, does that put people consuming piping hot food and beverages at risk?
What research says
The study evaluates the link between consuming very hot drinks and oesophageal cancer. While the chemical composition of the beverages themselves wasn’t found to directly contribute to carcinogenicity, it is the extreme temperature that is the primary concern.
This meta-analysis showed that people who drank hot tea had a significantly increased risk of oesophagal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), but no significant association was found for oesophagal adenocarcinoma (EAC).
Dr Anandmoy Dutta, founder and consultant, AMD Clinic & Healthcare, South Kolkata, adds, “It has been quite clearly found that repeatedly/frequently/recurrently drinking hot tea or coffee or any liquid (the temperature is important) can definitely increase the risk of oesophagal cancer and other conditions, but the exact mechanism is still under survey.”
Why temperature matters more than you think
When we drink or eat something scalding hot, the lining of our oesophagus—the tube connecting our mouth to the stomach—takes the brunt of the heat. Over time, repeated exposure to such high temperatures can lead to chronic inflammation, cellular damage, and, eventually, a higher risk of developing cancer.
Dr Somashekhar S P, lead consultant, surgical and gynaecological oncology and robotic surgeon, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangaluru, says, “This risk is believed to be arising from the thermal injury inflicted on the oesophagal lining, which may lead to cellular changes over time. The process is gradual, as repeated exposure to high temperatures can contribute to chronic inflammation and damage, ultimately increasing the likelihood of malignant transformations in the affected tissues.”
While sipping hot beverages may not instantly lead to cancer, the cumulative effects of prolonged exposure to high temperatures could significantly increase the risk over time.
The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified beverages consumed above 65°C as “probably carcinogenic to humans”.
Is this an immediate process?
The development of oesophageal cancer from drinking very hot beverages is a gradual process that takes years. Continuous thermal injury disrupts the natural healing process, promoting abnormal cell growth, which can turn cancerous, claim experts.
Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra, director of surgical oncology at CK Birla Hospital, says, “The risk accumulates over time, especially for individuals who habitually consume extremely hot drinks. While a single instance of drinking hot tea or coffee is unlikely to cause cancer, regular consumption over many years can significantly elevate the risk.”
However, Prof Chintamani, chairman and head of the department of surgical oncology, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, notes that there’s no established evidence suggesting a direct connection between hot beverages and cancer, but constant heated irritation may eventually lead to cancer.
“Coffee, when combined with smoking and a high-saturated fat non-vegetarian diet, has also been reported to cause cancer. The same applies to hot foods, where the combination of alcohol and smoking may increase the risk,” he adds.
Dr Dutta agrees that there are other risk factors as well. “Smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity are more significant risk factors for oesophagal cancer than hot liquids alone,” he adds.
Small changes, big impact
It’s important to understand that tea, coffee, or food itself isn’t directly linked to cancer risk—it’s the temperature at which it’s consumed that makes the difference. Consistently drinking or eating scalding-hot items can harm your oesophagus over time, but small adjustments can go a long way in reducing this risk.
Here are a few expert-approved tips to protect your oesophagus:
Let it cool: Allow your tea or coffee to cool for at least a minute or two before drinking.
Check the temperature: Beverages should feel warm, not steaming, to the touch.
Address other risk factors: Quit smoking, limit alcohol consumption, and maintain a healthy weight to lower your overall risk of oesophageal cancer.