In a new analysis of more than a dozen cancer studies, researchers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah School of Medicine have found that drinking coffee and tea may lower the risk of developing certain types of head and neck cancers, including mouth and throat cancers.
The study, published in CANCER, a journal of the American Cancer Society, offers new insights into how these widely consumed beverages could contribute to cancer prevention.
“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,” senior author Yuan-Chin Amy Lee, PhD, of Huntsman Cancer Institute and the University of Utah School of Medicine said in a recent statement.
How Common are Head and Neck Cancers?
Head and neck cancers include a variety of ailments that develop in regions such as the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, and salivary glands. Collectively, these cancers represent approximately 4% of all cancer cases in the United States.
In 2024, it is estimated that about 71,100 individuals in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx—the primary categories of head and neck cancers. Unfortunately, these diseases are expected to result in approximately 16,110 deaths.
The incidence of head and neck cancers increases with age, particularly among individuals over 50. Men are significantly more likely than women to be diagnosed with these cancers and to succumb to them.
The main risk factors for head and neck cancers include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and infection with cancer-causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Getting early checks and screenings can help catch any potential cancers early, ensuring better treatment later on.
Can Tea or Coffee Help Reduce the Risk?
Because of the commonality of these cancers, the researchers aimed to clarify whether coffee or tea consumption might help reduce the risk of these cancers.
The study combined data from 14 research projects conducted worldwide, involving over 9,500 patients with head and neck cancer and nearly 16,000 individuals without cancer. Participants reported their consumption of caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and tea, detailing how often they drank these beverages.
The findings revealed that individuals who drank more than four cups of caffeinated coffee daily had significantly lower odds of developing head and neck cancer, with a 17% reduction in overall risk. This protective effect was even more pronounced for specific cancers, with a 30% lower risk of oral cavity cancer and a 22% lower risk of throat cancer. Those who consumed three to four cups of caffeinated coffee each day experienced a 41% reduction in the risk of hypopharyngeal cancer, a cancer located at the bottom of the throat.
Interestingly, even decaffeinated coffee appeared to provide benefits, as it was associated with a 25% reduction in the odds of developing oral cavity cancer. Tea consumption also showed potential protective effects, particularly for hypopharyngeal cancer. Drinking one cup or less of tea daily was linked to a 9% lower risk of head and neck cancer overall and a 27% lower risk of hypopharyngeal cancer. However, the study also found that drinking more than one cup of tea per day was associated with a higher risk of laryngeal cancer, suggesting the need for further research.
“These findings support the need for more data and further studies around the impact that coffee and tea can have on reducing cancer risk,” Lee added in the statement.
Adding Further Evidence
For individuals seeking to reduce their cancer risk, the study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that moderate coffee and tea consumption may have health benefits. However, it is important to remember that these beverages are just one aspect of a holistic approach to cancer prevention, which also includes avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry is the Science Communicator at JILA (a world-leading physics research institute) and a science writer at The Debrief. Follow and connect with her on BlueSky or contact her via email at kenna@thedebrief.org