Researchers have highlighted the positive effects of coffee and tea in reducing the risk of developing head and neck cancers. Consumed daily by hundreds of millions worldwide, coffee and tea may play a protective role against certain cancers. A new study, published in the Cancer journal of the American Cancer Society, suggests that these two popular beverages lower the risk of developing head and neck cancers—also known as cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) sphere—which account for 6% of all cancers globally.
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How Coffee and Tea May Reduce Cancer Risk
To reach these findings, researchers analyzed data from 14 international studies involving nearly 25,000 participants. They compared coffee and tea consumption habits between approximately 9,500 patients with head and neck cancers and 15,500 individuals without the disease. Participants reported their intake of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee and tea, specifying amounts consumed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually.
The results revealed that drinking more than four cups of caffeinated coffee daily is associated with a 17% reduction in the overall risk of head and neck cancers. Specifically:
- A 30% decrease in the risk of oral cavity cancer.
- A 22% decrease in the risk of throat cancer.
- A 41% reduction in the risk of hypopharyngeal cancer which is located at the base of the throat.
The study also showed that decaffeinated coffee also lowers the risk of oral cavity cancer by 25%.
Tea Consumption: Benefits and Risks
Beverage | Amount Consumed | Risk Reduction/Increase | Cancer Types Affected |
---|---|---|---|
Caffeinated Coffee | More than 4 cups/day | 17% overall risk reduction | Oral cavity, throat, hypopharyngeal |
30% risk reduction | Oral cavity | ||
22% risk reduction | Throat | ||
41% risk reduction | Hypopharyngeal (base of throat) | ||
Decaffeinated Coffee | Any amount | 25% risk reduction | Oral cavity |
Tea | 1 cup/day or less | 9% overall risk reduction | Head and neck cancers |
27% risk reduction | Hypopharyngeal | ||
More than 1 cup/day | 38% risk increase | Laryngeal |
Tea consumption at low doses (one cup per day or less), seems to reduce the overall risk of head and neck cancers by 9% and hypopharyngeal cancer by 27%. However, unexpectedly drinking more than one cup of tea daily is shown in the study to increase the risk of laryngeal cancer by 38%.
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The researchers emphasized the importance of these findings, noting the varied effects of coffee and tea on different subtypes of head and neck cancers, including the positive impact of decaffeinated coffee.
Final thoughts
“This study showed the varied effects of coffee and tea on different subtypes of head and neck cancers, including the positive impact of decaffeinated coffee,” the researchers noted. These findings are promising for coffee and tea enthusiasts, though they should not replace standard prevention measures like reducing alcohol and tobacco use.
While these findings suggest that coffee and tea may reduce the risk of certain head and neck cancers, some results such as the increased risk of laryngeal cancer with higher tea consumption raise questions. Could factors like drinking very hot tea, lifestyle habits, or other unknown variables play a role? Additionally, the study relies on self-reported data, which can introduce inaccuracies. Further research is needed to better understand these associations and their implications for cancer prevention.
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FAQ: Coffee, Tea, and Cancer Risk
1. How much coffee should I drink to reduce cancer risk?
Drinking more than four cups of caffeinated coffee daily is linked to a 17% lower risk of head and neck cancers.
2. Does decaffeinated coffee have the same benefits?
Yes, decaffeinated coffee is associated with a 25% lower risk of oral cavity cancer.
3. Is tea as effective as coffee in reducing cancer risk?
Tea can reduce cancer risk at low doses (one cup per day or less) but may increase the risk of laryngeal cancer if consumed in higher amounts.
4. What might explain the increased risk with higher tea consumption?
Drinking very hot tea, lifestyle habits, or other unknown factors could contribute to the increased risk of laryngeal cancer with higher tea consumption.
5. What types of cancer are impacted by coffee and tea?
These beverages may reduce the risks of oral cavity, throat, and hypopharyngeal cancers, but excessive tea consumption may increase the risk of laryngeal cancer.
6. Can coffee and tea replace traditional cancer prevention methods?
No, they are not substitutes. Reducing alcohol and tobacco use remains essential.
7. Are there other factors to consider in these findings?
Yes, factors like tea temperature, additives, and self-reported data accuracy may influence the results. Further research is needed to clarify these associations.
8. Is this information relevant to everyone?
The study reflects general trends but does not account for individual differences like genetics or lifestyle. Consult a doctor for personalized advice.
References
Nguyen, T., Koric, A., Chang, C.-P. E., Barul, C., Radoi, L., Serraino, D., Purdue, M. P., & others. (2024). Coffee and tea consumption and the risk of head and neck cancer: An updated pooled analysis in the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium. Cancer. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.35620
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