When you drink tea or coffee this way, your risk of cancer increases 6 times.

A study examining data from more than 450,000 people in the UK found that those who drank more than eight cups of very hot tea or coffee a day had a six-fold increased risk of cancer. Over an average follow-up of 12 years, they were nearly six times more likely to be diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) than those who did not consume hot beverages.

Participants were asked what temperature they preferred their beverage. 17% responded "very hot," 66.5% "hot," and 15.3% "lukewarm." The researchers noted that women, in particular, preferred "very hot" more than men, which could mean a temperature above 65 degrees Celsius.

RISK VARYING DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF CUP

The risk increased 2.5 times in those who consumed more than 4 very hot drinks per day.

The risk increased 3.67 times in those who drank 4–6 cups.

The risk increased to 4.75 times with consumption of 6–8 cups.

With more than 8 cups, the risk reached approximately 6 times.

The study published in the British Journal of Cancer included the following details:

'The incidence of esophageal cancer is higher in people who consume hot or very hot tea and coffee compared to those who do not have this habit.'

The researchers noted that the exact biological mechanism behind this relationship is unknown. However, one hypothesis is that repeated exposure to very hot beverages may damage cells in the esophagus, potentially leading to cancer.

In fact, in a study conducted on animals, it was determined that 70-degree hot water caused precursor lesions that paved the way for tumor development in the esophagus of rats.