Drinking Coffee or Tea at Very High Temperatures Triples Esophageal Cancer Risk, Study Finds
New research published this week found that drinking coffee or tea at very high temperatures can triple the risk of esophageal cancer. Doctors say letting hot beverages cool for a few minutes before drinking can significantly reduce the risk.
Drinking coffee or tea at very high temperatures can triple the risk of esophageal cancer, according to new research published this week and reported by Healthline on September 11, 2026.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence linking thermal injury to the esophagus with cancer risk. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classified very hot beverages as "probably carcinogenic" in 2016, and the new findings reinforce that classification with updated data.
Researchers found that the risk was highest among people who regularly consumed beverages at temperatures above 65 degrees Celsius, or about 149 degrees Fahrenheit. At that temperature, the liquid can cause repeated small injuries to the lining of the esophagus. Over time, those injuries can lead to cellular changes that increase cancer risk.
The good news, doctors say, is that the fix is simple. Letting a hot drink cool for four to five minutes before drinking it brings the temperature down to a safer range.
"Most people don't realize how hot their coffee or tea actually is when they first pour it," said one oncologist familiar with the research. "A short wait makes a real difference."
Esophageal cancer is the sixth most common cause of cancer death worldwide. It is particularly deadly because it is often diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment options are more limited.
The study did not find that drinking coffee or tea at normal temperatures increased cancer risk. The concern is specifically about beverages consumed at very high temperatures.
Health experts recommend using a thermometer if you are unsure about the temperature of your drinks, or simply waiting a few minutes after pouring before you take the first sip.
