Doctors Warn of Hot Beverage Risk at Hyderabad Meet
Repeated exposure to very hot liquids can damage the inner lining of the esophagus over time
Hyderabad: Doctors raised concern over everyday habits like drinking very hot tea and coffee, warning that they could be increasing the risk of esophageal cancer in India. They were speaking at a two-day conference, hosted by the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus (ISDE), that brought together over 150 specialists from India, the US, Japan, Australia and Canada to discuss trends, risks and treatment gaps.
Esophageal cancer remains one of the most aggressive and underdiagnosed cancers globally, with India contributing a significant share of cases. Experts said that while tobacco and alcohol are widely known risk factors, the regular intake of very hot beverages is a key but often overlooked contributor.
“Repeated exposure to very hot liquids can damage the inner lining of the esophagus over time,” said Prof. Lorenzo Ferri, president, ISDE and director, Upper GI Cancer Programme at McGill University, Canada, during discussions at the conference.
Dr C.S. Pramesh, director, Tata Memorial Hospital, said the issue was compounded by late detection. “A large number of patients present at advanced stages, which reduces chances of effective treatment,” he said, pointing out that access and awareness remain uneven across regions.
The concern is particularly relevant for cities like Hyderabad, where tea and coffee are consumed multiple times a day, often at high temperatures in homes, offices and roadside stalls. Experts also noted that while incidence is higher in rural and semi-urban regions, urban lifestyles are contributing through diet patterns, obesity and reflux-related conditions.
They said simple steps such as allowing beverages to cool before drinking, along with reducing tobacco and alcohol use and seeking early medical advice for symptoms like difficulty swallowing, can help lower the risk.
