---
title: "Hot drinks triple oesophageal cancer risk, Oxford study finds"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/health/hot-drinks-triple-oesophageal-cancer-risk-oxford-study-finds"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/hot-drinks-triple-oesophageal-cancer-risk-oxford-study-finds"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/health/hot-drinks-triple-oesophageal-cancer-risk-oxford-study-finds.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/hot-drinks-triple-oesophageal-cancer-risk-oxford-study-finds"
category: "Health"
area: "United Kingdom"
published: "2026-09-09T15:25:15.246Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-09T14:27:47.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-09T15:25:15.246Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 61
hype_score: 55
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-09T16:15:40.228490+00:00"
---

# Hot drinks triple oesophageal cancer risk, Oxford study finds

*Drinking beverages at 65C or above is linked to a threefold increase in risk, researchers say.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. The central claim is attributed to a named body (Oxford University) and supported by a large sample size.
- Craft 61 of 100, higher is better. The reporting is clear and holds together, with specific figures and dates provided.
- Hype 55 of 100, lower is better. Headlines use strong language like 'triples the risk' and 'deadly cancer' which is somewhat sensationalized.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- Drinking beverages at 65C or above triples the risk of oesophageal cancer, a study of nearly one million UK adults found.
- Consuming six or more hot drinks daily also increases the risk of developing the disease.
- The overall likelihood of developing oesophageal cancer remains low, even with the increased risk from hot drinks.
- Other factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption are also significant risk factors for oesophageal cancer.

Drinking very hot beverages, defined as 65C or above, triples the risk of developing oesophageal cancer compared to drinking them warm, according to a study by Oxford University. The research, which analysed data from nearly one million UK adults, also found that consuming six or more hot drinks a day increases the risk.

The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, suggests that very hot liquids may damage the cells lining the oesophagus as they pass down to the stomach. Despite the increased risk, researchers emphasised that the overall likelihood of developing oesophageal cancer remains low. Other known risk factors for the disease include smoking and alcohol consumption.

## Disagreement on temperature definition

The definition of a 'very hot' beverage varies across reports. The Oxford University study defines it as 65C or above, as reported by Cumhuriyet. However, The Independent (US) and The Independent state that the temperature at which coffee and tea is drunk in Western populations is estimated to be around 60C. Insider.gr and Gazzetta.gr report that research shows both temperature and amount affect the likelihood of developing the disease, without specifying a temperature.

## Omissions

None of the right-rated digests mention the specific temperature of 65C as the threshold for 'very hot' drinks, which was stated in the Oxford University study and reported by Cumhuriyet. Additionally, none of the right-rated digests mention the specific figure of nearly one million UK adults involved in the study, a detail present in the Cumhuriyet report.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 18 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 19% (3)
- Centre: 31% (7)
- Right: 50% (8)

34 of 52 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-09T16:15:40.228490+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 8 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-09T17:15:27.116Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-rated reports focused on the core findings of the Oxford University study. Cumhuriyet, in its full report, detailed that drinking beverages at 65C or above triples the risk of oesophageal cancer and that consuming six or more hot drinks a day also increases the risk. It noted that while the risk is increased, the overall likelihood of developing the cancer remains low, and highlighted other risk factors like smoking and alcohol. The Independent and The Independent (US) both warned readers to let their drinks cool down before drinking to avoid increasing cancer risk, with The Independent (US) noting that the study estimated the temperature for coffee and tea in Western populations to be around 60C.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports highlighted the link between very hot drinks and increased oesophageal cancer risk. Sky News UK reported that people drinking their beverages 'very hot' face around a three times higher risk than those who drank them 'warm'. BBC News stated that steaming hot liquid can damage the cell lining on the way to the stomach, experts say. Dailymail.com reported that University of Oxford scientists found people drinking their cuppa at very high temperatures are three times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma than those drinking them 'warm'. RTÉ concluded that very hot drinks increase the risk of oesophageal cancer, citing it as the largest study of its kind.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on the increased risk associated with drinking very hot beverages. Berlingske.dk stated that 'very hot' coffee and tea triple the risk of oesophageal cancer. GB News reported that drinking hot tea and coffee triples the risk of developing oesophageal cancer, with those drinking very hot beverages facing three times the risk compared to those who let them cool. Khbrknews and Globo also reported that 'very hot' drinks can increase the risk of developing cancer. Latestly highlighted that drinking tea or coffee at very high temperatures may triple the risk compared with warm beverages, and noted experts explain what temperature counts as 'too hot'. Arutz Sheva warned that drinking drinks piping hot leads to a significantly higher risk of oesophageal cancer. Iefimerida.gr reported that those who regularly drank beverages at temperatures above 65C were three times more likely to develop the cancer. India Today noted that this everyday habit could raise cancer risk, with researchers suggesting letting drinks cool may reduce irritation to the food pipe, though the overall risk remains low.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- mixed: 9
- high: 7
- unknown: 35
- veryHigh: 1

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [iNews](https://inews.co.uk/news/science/hot-drinks-cancer-risk-4758007) — Why hot drinks could raise your risk of cancer - and how to make sure they're safe
- [g4food.ro](https://g4food.ro/bauturile-fierbinti-cresc-riscul-de-cancer-esofagian) — Hot Drinks Increase the Risk of Esophageal Cancer
- [nafeza2world.com](https://nafeza2world.com/Akhbar-Al-Alm/2776268) — A Study Window Reveals a Hidden Risk to High-Heated Drinks.
- [Euronews](https://euronews.com/health/2026/09/09/a-risk-in-a-teacup-researchers-find-link-between-very-hot-drinks-and-oesophageal-cancer) — Very hot drinks could triple risks of oesophageal cancer, study finds
- [AntyWeb](https://antyweb.pl/pijesz-goraca-kawe-badacze-ostrzegaja-przed-powaznymi-konsekwencjami) — Drinking Hot Coffee? Researchers Warn of Serious Consequences
- [berlingske.dk](https://berlingske.dk/samfund/meget-varmkaffe-og-te-tredobler-risikoen-for-kraeft-i-spiseroeret-viser-nyt-studie) — "Very Hot" Coffee and Tea Triple the Risk of Esophageal Cancer, New Study Shows
- [Correio da Manhã](https://cmjornal.pt/viver-com-saude/detalhe/gosta-de-bebidas-quentes-consumo-pode-danificar-o-esofago-e-aumenta-o-risco-de-cancro) — Do You Like Hot Drinks? Consumption Can Damage the Esophagus and Increase the Risk of Cancer
- [madhyamamonline.com](https://madhyamamonline.com/lifestyle/health/very-hot-drinks-linked-to-higher-risk-of-oesophageal-cancer-study-1553016) — Very hot drinks linked to higher risk of oesophageal cancer: study
- [Cumhuriyet](https://cumhuriyet.com.tr/saglik/sicak-icecek-tuketenler-dikkat-yemek-borusu-kanseri-riskini-3-kat-artiriyor-2536183) — Attention Those Who Consume Hot Beverages: It Triples the Risk of Esophageal Cancer.
- [GB News](https://gbnews.com/health/drinking-hot-tea-and-coffee-triples-risk-of-developing-cancer-study-reveals) — Drinking hot tea and coffee TRIPLES risk of developing cancer, study reveals
- [European Medical Journal](https://emjreviews.com/general-healthcare/news/very-hot-drinks-linked-to-threefold-higher-oesophageal-cancer-risk) — Very Hot Drinks Linked to Threefold Higher Oesophageal Cancer Risk
- [GBC Ghana Online](https://gbcghanaonline.com/news/health/steaming-hot-drinks-may-damage-food-pipe-and-increase-oesophageal-cancer-risk/2026) — Steaming hot drinks may damage food pipe and increase oesophageal cancer risk
- [almasryalyoum.com](https://almasryalyoum.com/news/details/4355950) — Study: Eating Hot Drinks Triples the Risk of Esophagus Cancer Today.
- [nin.rs](https://nin.rs/magazin/vesti/122874/pijete-caj-ili-kafu-dok-su-veoma-vruci-studija-otkrila-ozbiljan-rizik) — Drinking Tea or Coffee While It's Very Hot? A Major Study Found a Serious Risk
- [khbrknews](https://khbrknews.com/very-hot-drinks-can-increase-the-risk-of-developing-cancer-largest-study-finds) — ‘Very hot’ drinks can increase the risk of developing cancer, largest study finds
- [gazzetta.gr](https://gazzetta.gr/plus/2567757/pineis-ton-kafe-soy-poly-zesto-i-synitheia-poy-syndeetai-me-ayximeno-kindyno-karkinoy) — Do You Drink Your Coffee Too Hot? The Habit Linked to an Increased Risk of Cancer
- [Mediafax](https://mediafax.ro/sanatate/obiceiul-aparent-banal-care-ar-putea-creste-riscul-de-cancer-esofagian-23804319) — The Apparently Banal Habit that Could Increase the Risk of Esophageal Cancer
- [insider.gr](https://insider.gr/ygeia/424119/poly-zestos-kafes-i-synitheia-poy-ehei-syndethei-me-ayximeno-kindyno-karkinoy) — Very Hot Coffee: The Habit that Has Been Linked to an Increased Risk of Cancer
- [Sky News UK](https://news.sky.com/story/very-hot-drinks-can-increase-the-risk-of-developing-oesophageal-cancer-largest-study-finds-13583405) — 'Very hot' drinks can increase the risk of developing oesophageal cancer, largest study finds
- [www.ertnews.gr](https://ertnews.gr/eidiseis/meleti-i-katanalosi-poly-zeston-rofimaton-mporei-na-ayksisei-ton-kindyno-emfanisis-karkinou-tou-oisofagou) — Study: Drinking Very Hot Beverages May Increase Risk of Esophageal Cancer
- [Globo](https://g1.globo.com/saude/noticia/2026/09/09/beber-cha-ou-cafe-muito-quente-triplica-risco-de-cancer-de-esofago-diz-estudo.ghtml) — Drinking Very Hot Tea or Coffee Triples Risk of Esophageal Cancer
- [Latestly](https://latestly.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/how-hot-is-too-hot-oxford-study-links-very-hot-tea-and-coffee-to-oesophageal-cancer-7596768.html) — How Hot Is Too Hot? Oxford Study Links Very Hot Tea and Coffee to Oesophageal Cancer | 🍏 LatestLY
- [Life.ru](https://life.ru/p/chay-luchshe-ostudit-uchenye-nashli-svyaz-slishkom-goryachih-napitkov-s-rakom) — It's Better to Cool Tea: Scientists Have Found a Link Between Too Hot Drinks and Cancer
- [vt.co](https://vt.co/lifestyle/health/health-cancer-risks-extremely-hot-drinks) — Warning of health risks of drinking extremely hot drinks
- [CNN Brasil](https://cnnbrasil.com.br/saude/cha-ou-cafe-muito-quente-triplicam-risco-de-cancer-diz-estudo) — Very Hot Tea or Coffee Triple Cancer Risk, Says Study
- [NewsBomb](https://newsbomb.gr/ygeia/story/1762097/to-tsai-syndeetai-me-karkino-tou-oisofagou---mexri-poia-thermokrasia-prepei-na-to-pinete) — Tea Is Linked to Esophageal Cancer – Up to What Temperature Should You Drink It?
- [Nepal Press : Facts First, Truth Foremost – Online News Portal from Nepal in Nepali Language](https://nepalpress.com/2026/09/09/761907/drinking-very-hot-tea-and-coffee-may-increase-cancer-risk) — Excessive Consumption of Chia and Coffee May Increase the Risk of Cancer.
- [Iatropedia](https://iatropedia.gr/diatrofi/ta-kafta-rofimata-syndeontai-me-ton-karkino-tou-oisofago-poies-einai-oi-epikindynes-thermokrasies/229356) — Hot Drinks Linked to Esophageal Cancer - What Are the Dangerous Temperatures?
- [easterneye.biz](https://easterneye.biz/hot-tea-cancer-risk-oxford-study) — Does Hot Tea Raise Cancer Risk? What the Oxford Study Found
- [Arutz Sheva](https://israelnationalnews.com/news/432929) — Like your drink piping hot? New study warns of cancer risk
- [anlatilaninotesi.com.tr](https://anlatilaninotesi.com.tr/20260909/sicak-cay-ve-kahve-yemek-borusu-kanseri-riskini-uc-kat-artirabilir-1108618202.html) — Hot Tea and Coffee Can Triple the Risk of Esophageal Cancer.
- [TV9 Hindi](https://tv9hindi.com/lifestyle/study-finds-how-very-hot-tea-and-coffee-drinking-habit-can-cause-esophageal-cancer-risk-3902392.html) — Not Tea or coffee... Overheating Them Can Cause Cancer! Research Reveals
- [Haber Sitesi ODATV](https://odatv.com/gastroda/sicak-cay-ve-kahve-kanser-yapiyor-mu-120162001) — Studyed on Approximately 1 Million people... Very Hot Drinks Increase the Risk of Esophageal Cancer.
- [LiFO](https://lifo.gr/now/tech-science/ereyna-ta-poly-zesta-rofimata-mporei-na-prokalesoyn-blabes-ston-oisofago-kai-na) — Research: Very Hot Drinks May Damage the Esophagus and Increase the Risk of Cancer
- [globalnewspakistan](https://globalnewspakistan.com/scalding-tea-coffee-linked-to-cancer-risk) — Scalding Tea and Coffee Linked to Higher Cancer Risk, Study Finds
- [Haberler](https://haberler.com/saglik/cok-sicak-icecekler-yemek-borusuna-zarar-verebilir-20221138-haberi) — Very Hot Drinks Can Damage the Esophagus and Increase the Risk of Cancer.
- [ТСН.ua](https://tsn.ua/zdorovya/chay-i-kava-mozut-pidvyshchuvaty-ryzyk-raku-vcheni-nazvaly-nebezpechnu-zvychku-3164990.html) — Tea and Coffee Can Increase the Risk of Cancer: Scientists Have Named a Dangerous Habit
- [n1info.rs](https://n1info.rs/magazin/zdravlje/veoma-topli-napici-mogu-ostetiti-jednjak-i-povecati-rizik-od-raka) — Very Hot Drinks Can Damage the Esophagus and Increase the Risk of Cancer
- [Karar Gazetesi](https://karar.com/saglik-haberleri/cay-ve-kahveyi-cok-sicak-icenlere-uyari-kanser-riski-3-kat-artiyor-2070829) — Warning for Those Who Drink Tea and Coffee Very Hot: Cancer Risk Triples.
- [Iefimerida](https://iefimerida.gr/ygeia/kayta-rofimata-mporei-na-blapsoyn-ton-oisofago-karkinoy) — Study: Very Hot Drinks May Damage the Esophagus and Increase the Risk of Cancer - iefimerida.gr
- [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/health/story/drinking-your-tea-or-coffee-piping-hot-this-everyday-habit-could-raise-cancer-risk-2990509-2026-09-09) — Drinking your tea or coffee piping hot? This everyday habit could raise cancer risk
- [Great Yorkshire Radio](https://greatyorkshireradio.co.uk/uk/very-hot-drinks-can-increase-the-risk-of-developing-oesophageal-cancer-largest-study-finds) — 'Very Hot' Drinks Can Increase The Risk Of Developing Oesophageal Cancer, Largest Study Finds
- [Noticias ao Minuto](https://noticiasaominuto.com/lifestyle/3048515/o-erro-comum-ao-beber-cha-ou-cafe-que-pode-aumentar-o-risco-de-cancro) — The Common Mistake of Drinking Tea or Coffee that May Increase the Risk of Cancer
- [Unknown](https://eleftherostypos.gr/ygeia-epistimi/pinete-kafto-kafe-i-tsai-pote-ginontai-epikindyna-i-thermokrasia-pou-syndeetai-me-triplasio-kindyno-karkinou) — Do You Drink Hot Coffee or Tea? When Do They Become Dangerous – The Temperature Linked to a Triple Risk of Cancer
- [Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd](https://asianetnews.com/gallery/health/do-you-regularly-drink-very-hot-tea-coffee-or-water-aioyzka) — Do You Drink Tea, Coffee, and Water Very Hot? If so, the Risk of This Cancer Is Higher, Study Says
- [INTELLINEWS](https://intelli.news/2026/09/09/do-you-drink-your-coffee-extra-hot-it-could-be-putting-you-at-risk-of-deadly-oesophageal-cancer-major-study-finds) — Do You Drink Your Coffee 'Extra Hot'? It Could Be Putting You at Risk of Deadly Oesophageal Cancer, Major Study Finds
- [BBC News](https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ce3r77d9n90o) — Very hot drinks may damage the food pipe and increase cancer risk
- [dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/health/article-16114049/Do-you-drink-coffee-extra-hot-putting-you-risk-deadly-oesophageal-cancer-major-study-finds.html) — Warning issued for 'extra hot' coffee - drink could fuel deadly cancer
- [RTÉ](https://rte.ie/news/2026/0909/1590728-hotdrinksoesophageal-cancer) — Very hot drinks raise risk of oesophageal cancer
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/health/hot-drinks-oesophageal-cancer-uk-study-b3046794.html) — Let a cuppa cool down before drinking to avoid increasing risk of cancer, study warns
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/health/hot-drinks-oesophageal-cancer-uk-study-b3046794.html) — Let a cuppa cool down before drinking to avoid increasing risk of cancer, study warns
- [Western Morning News](https://westernmorning.news/2026/09/08/let-a-cuppa-cool-down-before-drinking-to-avoid-increasing-risk-of-cancer-major-uk-study-warns) — Let a cuppa cool down before drinking to avoid increasing risk of cancer, major UK study warns

## Questions

**What temperature is considered 'very hot' for drinks?**

The Oxford University study defines 'very hot' beverages as those at 65C or above. Drinking at this temperature triples the risk of oesophageal cancer compared to drinking them warm. Some reports suggest Western populations drink coffee and tea around 60C.

**How much does drinking very hot beverages increase the risk of oesophageal cancer?**

Drinking beverages at 65C or above triples the risk of oesophageal cancer compared to drinking them warm. Consuming six or more hot drinks a day also increases this risk.

**Is oesophageal cancer common?**

No, oesophageal cancer is a rare type of cancer. While drinking very hot beverages increases the risk, the overall likelihood of developing the disease remains low for individuals.

**What are other risk factors for oesophageal cancer?**

Besides drinking very hot beverages, other significant risk factors for oesophageal cancer include smoking and alcohol consumption. These factors are also highlighted as important considerations for reducing the risk of this cancer.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/health/hot-drinks-triple-oesophageal-cancer-risk-oxford-study-finds. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Hot drinks triple oesophageal cancer risk, Oxford study finds", https://mediabias.news/health/hot-drinks-triple-oesophageal-cancer-risk-oxford-study-finds