Hot Beverages Linked to Increased Cancer Risk

Sep 10, 2026

75 min

Sep 10, 2026 13:31

Your daily karak or gahwa could be doing more harm than good

## Study Highlights Risks of Hot Drinks

A recent study by the University of Oxford suggests that consuming very hot beverages, like karak tea or gahwa, may significantly increase the risk of esophageal cancer. The research, published in the International Journal of Cancer, followed about one million middle-aged individuals in the UK over 14 years. It found that drinking beverages at temperatures of 65°C or higher could triple the risk compared to those who prefer cooler drinks.

## Cultural Implications in the UAE

In the UAE, hot drinks are a cultural staple, often consumed multiple times a day. Local doctors, including Dr. Anu Susan George from Medcare, emphasize that it's not the tea or coffee itself that's harmful, but the high temperatures at which they're consumed. Dr. Tarek AlKhouri from the Advanced Care Oncology Center notes that the link between hot drinks and cancer is not new, and advises letting drinks cool before consumption.

## Other Risk Factors

While hot beverage consumption is a concern, doctors stress that other factors like tobacco use, obesity, and chronic acid reflux are more significant risks for esophageal cancer in the UAE. Dr. George advises focusing on a combination of healthy habits rather than just one behavior.

## Symptoms to Watch For

Persistent symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, and chronic indigestion should not be ignored, as they could indicate a higher risk of esophageal cancer. Both doctors recommend being mindful of these signs and adopting safer drinking habits.

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