Coffee and tea are beloved beverages worldwide, celebrated for their flavors and potential health benefits. Recent studies have explored their possible role in cancer prevention, suggesting that these drinks may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Dr. Tirathram Kaushik, Consultant Oncosurgeon at Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road says, "Coffee and tea, when consumed in moderation, contain antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, potentially lowering the risk of some cancers. However, they are not a magic bullet, and other lifestyle factors play a critical role in cancer prevention."
What is the research
In a recent analysis of data from more than a dozen studies, coffee and tea consumption was linked with lower risks of developing head and neck cancer, including cancers of the mouth and throat. The findings are published by Wiley online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide, and rates are rising in low- and middle-income countries. Many studies have assessed whether drinking coffee or tea is associated with head and neck cancer, with inconsistent results.
To provide additional insight, investigators examined data from 14 studies by different scientists associated with the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology consortium, a collaboration of research groups around the globe. The investigators pooled information on 9,548 patients with head and neck cancer and 15,783 controls without cancer, they found that compared with non-coffee-drinkers, individuals who drank more than 4 cups of caffeinated coffee daily had 17% lower odds of having head and neck cancer overall, 30% lower odds of having cancer of the oral cavity, and 22% lower odds of having throat cancer. Drinking 3–4 cups of caffeinated coffee was linked with a 41% lower risk of having hypopharyngeal cancer (a type of cancer at the bottom of the throat). Drinking decaffeinated coffee was associated with 25% lower odds of oral cavity cancer. Drinking tea was linked with 29% lower odds of hypopharyngeal cancer. Also, drinking 1 cup or less of tea daily was linked with a 9% lower risk of head and neck cancer overall and a 27% lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer, but drinking more than 1 cup was associated with 38% higher odds of laryngeal cancer.
“While there has been prior research on coffee and tea consumption and reduced risk of cancer, this study highlighted their varying effects with different sub-sites of head and neck cancer, including the observation that even decaffeinated coffee had some positive impact,” said senior author Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, PhD, of Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah School of Medicine. “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 can have on reducing cancer risk.”
How coffee and tea might help
Both coffee and tea are rich in antioxidants, including polyphenols and flavonoids, which are known to combat oxidative stress—a key factor in cancer development. These beverages have been associated with a reduced risk of several cancers, including liver, endometrial, and colorectal cancers. For instance:
Coffee: Studies have shown that regular coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of liver and endometrial cancers. Coffee is particularly rich in chlorogenic acid and caffeine, compounds believed to have protective effects.
Tea: Green and black teas are packed with catechins, a type of antioxidant that may inhibit cancer cell growth. Green tea, in particular, has been linked to a reduced risk of breast and prostate cancers.
Importance of moderation
While the potential benefits of coffee and tea are promising, overconsumption can have negative effects, such as increased anxiety, insomnia, or digestive issues. Dr. Kaushik emphasizes says balance is the key. "Excessive consumption of coffee or tea can lead to other health issues. Stick to moderate amounts—typically 2-4 cups a day—and avoid adding too much sugar or high-fat creamers, which can counteract the health benefits."
A holistic approach
While coffee and tea may offer some protective benefits, they are not substitutes for a healthy lifestyle.
"Cancer prevention is multifaceted. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol, and timely medical check-ups are essential," says Dr. Kaushik.
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