Drinking coffee or tea at too high a temperature can triple the risk of developing esophageal cancer, according to Dr. Vincent Valinducq, who raised the warning on the French breakfast program "Bonjour ! La Matinale TF1."
Valinducq told the show's hosts and viewers that scientific studies on the subject, including one that analyzed more than a million people over 14 years, found that drinking tea or coffee above 65°C increases the risk of developing esophageal cancer threefold.
The number of hot drinks consumed each day also affects the risk, he said. According to the specialists he cited, drinking more than six cups of coffee, tea or other hot infusions a day is not good for health.
Valinducq said researchers believe the mechanism lies in how heat affects the esophagus. He explained that the hypothesis put forward by researchers is that heat forces the cells of the esophagus to divide repeatedly, creating a risk of cellular alteration.
How to protect your esophagus
The key word, Valinducq said, is moderation, both in temperature and in frequency. He added that people do not need to measure the temperature of every cup of coffee they drink.
Instead, he advised waiting for a hot drink to cool slightly before drinking it. If a drink burns your tongue, he said, it is already far too hot for the rest of your throat. He noted that adding milk to soften a hot drink does not remove the need to wait, since the beverage still needs time to cool. When the weather allows, he suggested choosing iced coffee or iced tea instead.
Other risk factors for esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed digestive cancer in France, according to the Centre Léon Bérard, a cancer treatment center. The center reports that the disease can also be linked to other harmful habits.
Smoking causes significant damage to the cells of the esophagus, as does drinking alcohol. The center notes that combining the two habits multiplies the risk even further.
Coffee remains a daily staple in France. An OpinionWay study from September 2025 found that 81% of French people drink at least one cup of coffee a day, while others turn to tea to start their morning. Valinducq noted that both drinks, consumed in moderation, do have real benefits for the body, but that their temperature is worth watching.
