Drinking tea or coffee is part of our daily routine. From the start of the day until evening, people often consume several cups of tea or coffee. Studies have warned that excessive caffeine intake can be harmful to the body, potentially leading to issues with sleep, digestion, and—in some cases—mood. A common question people have is whether drinking tea or coffee increases the risk of cancer.

Health experts state that while drinking tea or coffee does not cause cancer, consuming them at very high temperatures frequently does increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

This significant finding emerged from a major scientific study published in the *International Journal of Cancer*. The study revealed that beverages consumed at temperatures of 65°C or higher increase the risk of esophageal cancer by nearly three times compared to lukewarm beverages.

**Avoid drinking tea or coffee that is too hot**

Health experts explain that repeatedly taking sips of extremely hot liquid burns the delicate inner lining of the esophagus, causing chronic inflammation and cellular damage. Over time, this persistent damage can lead to the development of cancer cells. Clearly, the problem lies not with the beverage itself, but with its temperature.

It is not just the temperature that matters; the frequency of consumption throughout the day is also crucial.

Even after accounting for temperature, research found that individuals who consume very hot beverages six or more times a day face a 71% higher risk of developing this type of cancer. Frequent consumption of hot liquids means you are not giving the protective lining of your esophagus a chance to recover.

**Severe damage to cells**

The inner lining of the esophagus is extremely delicate and sensitive. When we take a sip of extremely hot tea, the lining gets burned from the inside. The body attempts to heal the damage, but we often drink hot tea again just a few hours later. When this cycle repeats daily over the years, the cells suffer continuous damage.

So, how can you avoid this risk?

You don't need a thermometer to check the temperature of your tea; simply use your tongue and lips.

If your mouth burns upon taking the first sip, stop immediately.
After pouring tea or coffee into a cup, let it sit for at least 4–5 minutes.
Scientifically, the temperature drops below 65°C within this time, virtually eliminating the risk of cancer.

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