The habit of drinking hot drinks is related to a type of cancer, do you have it?

In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified: Drinking very hot drinks (over 65 degrees Celsius) can cause cancer in humans, specifically esophageal cancer.

Why do people say hot drinks can cause cancer?

This is largely based on evidence from South America, where studies have found a link between drinking lots of maté – a traditional beverage typically served at around 70°C – and a higher risk of esophageal cancer. Similar studies in the Middle East, Africa and Asia have also supported this conclusion.

This year, a large study of nearly 500,000 adults in the UK confirmed that people who drink eight or more cups of very hot tea or coffee a day have a nearly six times higher risk of developing esophageal cancer than those who don't drink hot drinks.

Notably, the act of drinking very hot drinks is ranked by IARC at the same risk level as “inhaling wood smoke in a closed space” or “eating a lot of red meat”.

Drinking water at 70 degrees Celsius can develop precancerous tumors in the esophagus.

Illustration: AI

Damage to the lining of the esophagus, accelerating cancer development

Accordingly, drinking a lot of very hot drinks can damage the cells lining the esophagus, over time easily leading to cancer, according to The Independent (UK).

A 2016 study on mice found that mice given water at 70 degrees Celsius were more likely to develop precancerous tumors in their esophagus and faster than mice given water at lower temperatures.

Another theory is that thermal damage weakens the lining of the esophagus, increasing the risk of damage from stomach acid reflux. Over time, this chronic damage may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Tips for safe hot beverage consumption

Cancer risk may depend on how much is drunk at one time and how fast it is drunk. Drinking large amounts at one time appears to be more likely to damage the esophagus by causing thermal burns.

A related study found that taking a large sip of the same beverage at 65 degrees Celsius can increase esophageal temperature by up to 12 degrees Celsius and cause lasting damage; in contrast, taking a small sip rarely causes long-term problems.

A study in the US determined that the ideal temperature for coffee is about 57.8°C, both limiting the risk of esophageal damage and preserving the full flavor.

To enjoy hot drinks while protecting your esophagus, you need to:

• Drink slowly.
• Allow to cool patiently (temperature may drop 10-15°C after 5 minutes).
• Some ways to cool quickly: Stir, blow, add water or milk.
• Drinking in small sips is safer, as large sips greatly affect the temperature inside the esophagus and increase the risk of damage to the lining.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thoi-quen-uong-do-nong-co-lien-quan-den-mot-loai-ung-thu-ban-co-mac-phai-18525101423190746.htm