Beware! Drinking Hot Tea, Coffee Can Cause Cancer; Here's How
Nov 24, 2024
News
Esophageal cancer happens when a tumour grows in the esophagus or when the cells in the lining of the esophagus change
Across the world, people love drinking endless cups of tea and coffee – that of piping. And now that cold weather is here, hot beverages not only give comfort but also provide warmth and a sense of relief. However, there is a buzz all over about a link between drinking very hot tea and certain kinds of cancer.
Studies say drinking very hot tea combined with other risk factors can raise your chances of developing the rare esophageal cancer that develops in the esophagus - the muscular tube that moves food and liquids from the throat to the stomach. A few of these risks include:
- Smoking cigarettes
- Drinking alcohol
- Chewing tobacco
- A diet loaded with processed foods
- Exposure to air pollution
How is esophageal cancer related to hot beverages
According to doctors, esophagus cancer is a specific kind of cancer linked to drinking very hot tea. Your esophagus is a hollow muscular tube that carries liquids, saliva, and chewed-up food from the mouth to your stomach. Circular muscles called sphincter muscles close and open both ends.
Experts say esophageal cancer happens when a tumour grows in the esophagus or when the cells in the lining of the esophagus change. Even though more research is needed on why drinking hot tea and other beverages are the greatest risk factors for esophageal cancer – experts believe that extremely hot tea can damage the lining of the esophagus, making it easier for other cancer-causing substances like alcohol and cigarette smoke to enter easily.
There are two main kinds of esophageal cancer:
Squamous cell carcinoma
It happens when the flat, thin cells that line the inside of the esophagus change.
Adenocarcinoma
This type of cancer happens when the cancer begins in the mucus ducts of the esophagus and occurs in the lower part.
Doctors say esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the type of cancer linked to drinking hot tea in the study mentioned above.
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer
Apart from difficulty in swallowing, other signs of esophageal cancer include:
- Pain in your throat or back, behind your breastbone, or between your shoulder blades
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
- Heartburn and recurrent indigestion
- Hoarseness or cough
- Unintentional weight loss
How can you reduce the risk of developing esophageal cancer?
You can reduce your risk of developing esophageal cancer first by not drinking very hot tea or coffee and eating well. You also need to avoid activities like using tobacco, frequently drinking lots of alcohol, or working around certain solvents. Having an HPV infection is a risk factor for esophageal cancer.
While there is no recommended way to screen for esophageal cancer, if you have Barrett’s esophagus or certain other conditions, your doctor may recommend screening. Your healthcare provider may do an EGD to do this screening.
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