Dangerous Drinks: Daily Beverages Linked to Cancer Risk

Some beverages that people consume every day have been linked to cancer risk, but the level of evidence varies significantly from one drink to another. What someone drinks on a regular basis can have a major impact on long term health. While most beverages are not inherently dangerous, research has identified certain drinking habits that may increase the risk of cancer. The biggest concerns involve alcohol, extremely hot beverages and, in some cases, heavily sweetened drinks.

Alcohol Remains The Biggest Concern

Alcohol has one of the clearest connections to cancer. Drinking alcoholic beverages is associated with several types of cancer, including cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, colon and rectum, as well as breast cancer. The risk is not limited to hard liquor. Beer and wine also contain alcohol, meaning switching between different types of alcoholic beverages does not eliminate the cancer concern. Researchers believe alcohol can damage cells and DNA, while also affecting hormones and other processes involved in cancer development. The amount consumed matters, but there is no need to drink heavily for alcohol to become a potential cancer risk. Regular consumption can increase risk over time.

Extremely Hot Drinks Can Be A Problem

Coffee and tea themselves are not considered proven causes of cancer, but drinking beverages at extremely high temperatures has raised concerns among researchers. Repeatedly consuming very hot beverages can damage the lining of the esophagus. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified drinking very hot beverages as probably carcinogenic to humans, particularly because of the observed association with esophageal cancer. That does not mean people need to stop drinking coffee or tea. Allowing a drink to cool for several minutes before consuming it can help avoid repeated exposure to extreme temperatures.

Sugary Drinks Deserve Attention

Sodas, sweetened teas, energy drinks and other beverages loaded with added sugar are another category researchers continue to study. There is not enough evidence to simply say that drinking soda directly causes cancer. However, regularly consuming large amounts of sugary beverages can contribute to excess calorie intake, weight gain and obesity. Excess body weight is associated with an increased risk of numerous cancers. Some observational studies have also found associations between high consumption of certain sweetened beverages and specific cancers. However, these studies cannot always establish that the beverage itself caused the cancer.

What About Coffee?

Coffee is sometimes included in lists of potentially dangerous drinks, but that can be misleading. Coffee has not been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. In fact, research has found evidence of possible protective effects against certain cancers. The bigger concern with some coffee beverages may be what is added to them. Large amounts of sugar, flavored syrups and high calorie creamers can turn an otherwise relatively low calorie beverage into a much more calorie dense drink.

Energy Drinks Are Another Consideration

Energy drinks are not established cancer-causing beverages. However, they can contain large amounts of caffeine and added sugar, making frequent consumption a concern for other health reasons. For people who regularly rely on energy drinks, the issue is less about a proven cancer connection and more about the overall effects of excessive caffeine, sugar and calories.

The Bottom Line

Calling everyday beverages “dangerous” without explaining the science can create unnecessary fear. Not every drink that has been studied in connection with cancer is actually proven to cause cancer. Alcohol has the strongest evidence linking a beverage directly to cancer. Extremely hot drinks may increase the risk of esophageal cancer because of repeated thermal injury. Sugary beverages are more complicated, with potential risks involving weight gain and metabolic health as well as some observed cancer associations. For most people, the simplest approach is to limit alcohol, avoid drinking beverages while they are scalding hot and keep heavily sweetened drinks from becoming an everyday habit. A morning coffee or tea does not need to be treated like a cancer threat simply because it is consumed daily.