More things linked to cancer – this time hot tea
A recently published survey has shown that drinking hot tea fast will increase the chances of getting throat cancer.
The Iranian survey was published in the British Medical Journal and shows a correlation between those who drink the hot drink increase their chances of developing oesophageal cancer.
Throat cancer kills around 500,000 people worldwide annually.
The study, which was formulated into fruition in 1970 also shows that drinking the hot beverage very fast will increase the chances of attaining the disease five-fold, if consumed under two minutes. It can also burn your tounge.
However, the researcher says it may be down to the fact that it is hot, and says other drinks swallowed hot may see an increase in the chance of getting oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cancer, the most common form of throat cancer and the one this study focused on.
Researcher Dr Farhad Islami said, “Several studies have shown an association between drinking maté (a beverage which is commonly consumed in South America) and risk of oesophageal cancer. However, both the temperature and maté itself may have a role in this case.”
Hot tea now looks to be a possible contender to the ranks of alcohol and tobacco as known causes of cancer. Though, associate professor at Otago’s School of Medicine Dr Brian Cox warned that it is just “one study” and shouldn’t be taken as fact just yet.