The Coffee-Tea Connection: Reducing the Risk of Head and Neck Cancers
The Prevalence of Head and Neck Cancers
Cancers of the head and neck, including those of the mouth, throat, and pharynx, are among the most common forms of the disease. According to the Anticancer Fund and the European Society for Medical Oncology, they account for 4% of all cancers diagnosed worldwide.
The Link Between Coffee and Tea Consumption and Cancer Risk
Recent research has suggested a possible link between coffee or tea consumption and the risks of developing this type of cancer, but there is insufficient evidence to confirm this. To explore this possible association, researchers from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium analyzed data from 14 studies involving over 25,000 participants. Of these, 9,548 patients had head and neck cancer, while the others served as a control group.
The Benefits of Coffee Consumption
The researchers found that drinking more than four cups of coffee a day reduced the overall risk of head and neck cancer by 17%. Coffee appears to be particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of cancers of the mouth (-30%) and throat (-22%).
The Benefits of Tea Consumption
Tea offers comparable benefits: drinking a cup or less a day is associated with a 9% reduction in the overall risk of these cancers, and 27% for cancers of the hypopharynx (lower throat).
The Benefits of Decaffeinated Coffee
And that’s not all: decaffeinated coffee also offers benefits, with a 25% reduction in the risk of mouth cancer.
The Risks of Excessive Tea Consumption
On the other hand, the researchers warn that excessive tea consumption – beyond one cup a day – could increase the risk of laryngeal cancer by 38%. In other words, it should be enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
These findings highlight the need for a better understanding of the various effects of these hot beverages on different areas of the body. "Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex, and these findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea might have on reducing cancer risk," study co-author Amy Lee concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many cups of coffee a day is recommended to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer?
A: Drinking more than four cups of coffee a day is associated with a 17% reduction in the overall risk of head and neck cancer.
Q: Are there any benefits to drinking decaffeinated coffee?
A: Yes, decaffeinated coffee is associated with a 25% reduction in the risk of mouth cancer.
Q: Can excessive tea consumption increase the risk of cancer?
A: Yes, excessive tea consumption – beyond one cup a day – could increase the risk of laryngeal cancer by 38%.
Q: Should I stop drinking tea altogether?
A: No, moderate tea consumption (one cup or less a day) is associated with a 9% reduction in the overall risk of head and neck cancer.