Your daily coffee or tea may do more than just boost your energy – it may also lower your risk of certain cancers. A comprehensive review published in the journal Cancer highlights the link between coffee and tea consumption and a lower risk of head, neck, mouth and throat cancer.

“Even decaffeinated coffee had some positive effects,” explained senior researcher Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, an epidemiologist at the University of Utah School of Medicine, demonstrating protective potential beyond caffeine.

Head and neck cancer is alarmingly common, ranking as the seventh most prevalent cancer globally, with approximately 745,000 new cases and 364,000 deaths in 2020. The study pooled data from 14 prior studies, involving more than 9,500 individuals with head and neck cancer and nearly 16,000 healthy people. participants.

conclusion: Coffee and cancer risk

Drinking more than four cups of coffee per day reduces the chances of head and neck cancer by 17 percent, mouth cancer by 30 percent and throat cancer by 22 percent.

– Three to four cups of coffee per day reduces the risk of hypopharyngeal cancer (occurring in the lower part of the throat) by 41 percent.

– Even decaffeinated coffee was associated with a 25 percent lower risk of mouth cancer, suggesting that other compounds in coffee may play a protective role.

Tea and its effects

Benefits were also seen among tea drinkers, particularly for hypopharyngeal cancer, with tea consumption reducing the risk by 29 percent. However, drinking more than a cup of tea per day was linked to a 38 percent higher chance of throat cancer, possibly due to tea promoting acid reflux – a known risk factor for throat cancer.

Why can coffee and tea protect you?

Researchers speculate that coffee suppresses biological processes that promote cancer growth. However, due to the complex nature of coffee and tea habits, further study is needed to better understand their role in cancer prevention.

“Coffee and tea habits are quite complex,” Lee said, “and these findings support the need for more data and further studies regarding the impact coffee and tea have on reducing cancer risk.”

Daily Habits That Can Help Reduce Cancer Risk

Small, consistent lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your cancer risk.

– Maintain a balanced diet

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins provides essential antioxidants and nutrients. A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that a diet rich in high fiber and plant-based foods was associated with a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

– Exercise regularly

The American Cancer Society recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly. Regular exercise reduces inflammation and improves immune function, both of which are important in cancer prevention. A 2020 review in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians highlighted a 20-25 percent lower risk of many cancers, including breast and colon cancer, in physically active individuals.

-Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption

Smoking is the leading cause of lung and many other cancers, while excessive alcohol increases the risk of cancers such as liver, throat and breast. A study in The Lancet has confirmed that even moderate alcohol consumption contributes to cancer risk.

– protect your skin

Daily sunscreen use helps prevent skin cancer. Research from JAMA Dermatology shows that consistent sunscreen use reduces the risk of melanoma by 50 percent.

– get enough sleep

Chronic lack of sleep impairs immune function. A study in Sleep suggests that poor sleep may increase the risk of cancer, especially breast cancer.

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