Why your steaming hot cup of tea can spur esophageal cancer risk

Hyderabad: A new study has revealed that sipping hot tea can double the risk of esophageal cancer.

The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, had 50,000 participants who were followed for a decade.

The findings shift the blame away from the tea leaves and directly onto the temperature at which it is consumed.

Danger Zone: Above 60°C

Researchers found that the risk of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC)—a common type of esophageal cancer—spikes significantly when drinks are consumed at high temperatures.

According to the data:

The 60°C Threshold: Drinking tea at or above 60°C (140°F) was associated with a 40% increase in cancer risk.

The Volume Factor: Those who drank more than 700ml (about two large mugs) of hot tea daily saw their risk jump by a staggering 90%.

The “Rush” Risk: Participants who sipped their tea within two minutes of pouring were about 51% more likely to develop the disease than those who waited.

Why Does Heat Cause Cancer?

It comes down to a cycle of injury and repair. Very hot liquids physically burn the delicate esophageal lining. When these “thermal injuries” happen repeatedly, they lead to chronic inflammation.

As the body rushes to create new cells to heal the burns, the rapid cell turnover increases the likelihood of genetic mutations. This biological process is so well-documented that the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) now classifies beverages served above 65°C as “probably carcinogenic” (Group 2A).

The `Four-Minute’ Fix

Dr Sudhir Kumar, neurologist at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, explained, ” The good news is that you don’t have to give up your tea habit, you just need to change your timing. Wait at least 4 to 5 minutes before taking the first sip. This has to become a habit as it will save the burning in the esophagus.”

The study also pointed out that 65°C is a danger zone.

By allowing the beverage to cool, the thermal injury factor is virtually eliminated, making your daily tea ritual safe again.