Does coffee cause cancer? Here’s What You Need to Know

For many of us coffee is more than a drink. It is the cup in the morning, a quick break at work or something we reach for when we need a little boost. I really love my coffee. I am sure you do too.

You may have also heard that coffee can cause cancer. So should you stop drinking coffee? The simple answer is No. There is no evidence that drinking coffee causes cancer. This is what the studies say about coffee and cancer.
In fact, some studies have found that people who drink coffee may have a risk of certain cancers. As with most things, how much coffee you drink and how you drink it matters.

So can coffee cause cancer?

There is no evidence that coffee itself causes cancer. Coffee contains substances called antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage. Researchers have also found links between coffee drinking and a lower risk of some cancers, including liver and endometrial cancer.

This does not mean coffee can prevent cancer either. Cancer is complicated. It can be linked to things, such as tobacco, alcohol being overweight, family history, certain infections and lifestyle factors. So it would not be right to blame or credit one drink, which is coffee.

What about hot coffee?

This is where things can get confusing. The concern is not really about coffee. It is about the temperature of the drink. Drinking beverages that are extremely hot on a basis may damage the food pipe over time and has been linked with a higher risk of oesophageal cancer.

So if your coffee is so hot that you have to wait before taking a sip, let it cool down a little. This is an idea because it can help prevent damage to your food pipe.

Is it okay to drink coffee every day?

For healthy adults moderate coffee drinking is generally fine. 400 Mg of caffeine a day is considered a level that is unlikely to cause problems for most adults. A “cup” of coffee does not always contain the same amount of caffeine.

And you may need coffee if coffee makes you feel:

• Jittery
• Restless
• Unable to sleep anxious
• Uncomfortable in your stomach or like your heart is beating faster

Your body may simply be more sensitive to caffeine, which is found in coffee.

What you add to your coffee matters. Sometimes the coffee is not the problem. A coffee loaded with sugar, syrups, whipped cream or other toppings can quickly become a high-calorie drink. Just be mindful of how much sugar and other additions you are having regularly.

What if I am already being treated for cancer?

Having cancer does not automatically mean you have to stop drinking coffee. Some people can continue having coffee during treatment. Others may find that coffee makes certain symptoms worse if they have nausea, stomach problems or trouble sleeping. Your treatment and medicines also matter.

What should you actually worry about?

If you are worried about cancer, skipping your morning coffee may not be the important change to make. Instead, focus on things that have a stronger link with cancer risk:

• Avoid tobacco
• Keep alcohol intake low
• Stay physically active
• Maintain a weight
• Eat a diet
• Follow recommended cancer screening

If you notice something unusual in your body that does not go away, it is checked instead of waiting for it to become worse.

The Bottom Line

Your cup of coffee is not something you need to fear. For people moderate coffee consumption can be part of a healthy lifestyle. Just avoid drinking coffee hot and be mindful of how much caffeine and added sugar you consume.

Importantly do not let cancer myths make you worry about the wrong things. If you have concerns about your cancer risk, symptoms or screenings speak to a cancer specialist at MGM Cancer Institute. They can help you with your concerns, about coffee and cancer.

DOCTOR DETAILS:
Dr. T. Atmaram
Senior Consultant
Internal Medicine and Diabetologist