New research shows ‘very hot beverages’ can cause cancer
New research released has revealed that there is no conclusive evidence that drinking coffee causes cancer however it also states that "very hot" drinks are probably carcinogenic.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has announced in its latest review findings that "no conclusive evidence for a carcinogenic effect" of coffee drinking and pointed to some studies showing coffee may actually reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
"[This] does not show that coffee is certainly safe ... but there is less reason for concern today than there was before," Dana Loomis, the deputy head of the IARC's Monograph classification department stated at a news conference.
Cancer Council Queensland spokesperson Katie Clift spoke about the report, "The review found the temperature, rather than the drink itself, increases the risk of oesophageal cancer," Ms Clift said.
"A very hot beverage is defined as 65°C or above. The typical drinking temperature for tea and coffee in most parts of the world is below 65°C.
"The evaluation found the risk of oesophageal cancer increased with the temperature at which a beverage was drunk. The hotter the beverage, the greater the risk.
"Cancer Council recommends caution in the consumption of beverages at very high temperatures, due to the risk of scalding and increased risk of oesophageal cancer.
"This risk may be due to enhanced cell proliferation in response to cell death from scalding of the oesophageal mucosa.
"Studies of other hot drinks, mainly tea, in several other countries, including China, Japan and Turkey, also found that the risk of oesophageal cancer may increase with the temperature of the drink."
Oesophageal cancer is a malignant tumour found in the tissues of the oesophagus.
The cancer starts in the mucosa and may spread if it grows deeper into the oesophageal wall.
IARC, made worldwide headlines last year by saying processed meat can cause cancer by reaching its conclusions after reviewing more than 1,000 scientific studies in humans and animals.
News break – June 16
