Pune : In every household, the day does not begin without a cup of hot tea or coffee. This cup has become a part of our daily life, whether it is taken to relieve fatigue, to relax for a moment in the rush of work or to enjoy a chat with friends and family. However, with the belief that 'the hotter the better', the habit of drinking tea and coffee can be unknowingly hazardous to health. The habit of drinking steamy tea or coffee frequently and at extremely hot temperatures can affect the esophagus and in the long run of cancer Experts have warned that it can increase the risk.(Photo courtesy – istock)
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Many people have a habit of drinking steamy and very hot tea and coffee. Before that it is important to know that frequent consumption of extremely hot drinks above 65°C can damage the lining of the esophagus and increase the risk of esophageal cancer in the long run.
Drinking very hot tea or coffee is not good for health. Under the World Health Organization, IARC classifies hot drinks above 65°C as “probably carcinogenic to humans”. This does not mean that tea or coffee directly causes cancer. However, frequent and very hot drinks can cause heat damage to the lining of the mouth, throat and esophagus, increasing the risk.
Consuming very hot beverages can cause repeated heat stress and microscopic injury to the lining of the esophagus. If this habit is continued for a long time, there is a possibility of increasing the risk of esophageal cancer. Therefore, it is a simple and preventive measure to consume the drink after cooling it a little Dr. Vivek Bande (Surgical Oncologist, Oncolife Cancer Centre, Talegaon-Dabhade) explained.
Early symptoms of esophageal cancer are often overlooked. If symptoms persist such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn or pain, feeling like food is stuck in the throat, changes in voice, sudden weight loss, and chronic cough, it is important to seek medical attention.
Ignoring symptoms is a major problem in esophageal cancer. Don't dismiss it as just acidity, especially if you have trouble swallowing or the feeling of food getting stuck in your throat. Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, eating a balanced diet, regular health check-ups and avoiding hot drinks can be steps to reduce the risk, said Dr. Ram Patil (Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist, Apollo Spectra, Pune).
According to experts, people who are in the habit of drinking tea or coffee should wait a few minutes without consuming the hot drink immediately. Temperatures around 50–60°C are considered relatively suitable. It is also important to adopt healthy habits such as drinking enough water, eating a balanced diet and avoiding smoking and alcohol.
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Esophageal cancer risk isn't just from hot drinks. Tobacco use, alcoholism, obesity, certain dietary factors, and other medical factors can also affect risk. Therefore, instead of stopping tea and coffee, experts advise that you should avoid hot tea and coffee and do not ignore the uneven symptoms.
