Your daily cup of coffee or tea might be doing more than just boosting your energy—it could also lower your risk of certain cancers. A comprehensive review published in the journal Cancer highlights a link between coffee and tea consumption and reduced odds of cancers in the head, neck, mouth, and throat.

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

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

- Drinking more than four cups of coffee daily reduced the odds of head and neck cancer by 17 per cent, mouth cancer by 30 per cent, and throat cancer by 22 per cent.

- Three to four cups of coffee per day cut the risk of hypopharyngeal cancer (occurring at the bottom of the throat) by 41 per cent.

- Even decaffeinated coffee was linked to a 25 per cent lower risk of mouth cancer, suggesting that other compounds in coffee might play a protective role.

Tea drinkers also saw benefits, particularly for hypopharyngeal cancer, with a 29 per cent lower risk tied to tea consumption. However, drinking more than one cup of tea daily was associated with 38 per cent higher odds of throat cancer, potentially due to tea promoting acid reflux—a known risk factor for throat cancer.

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

“Coffee and tea habits are fairly complex,” Lee noted, “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.”

Small, consistent lifestyle changes can significantly lower 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 high in fibre and plant-based foods is linked to 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 critical in cancer prevention. A 2020 review in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians highlighted a 20–25 per cent lower risk of several cancers, including breast and colon cancer, in physically active individuals.

- Avoid Tobacco and Limit Alcohol

Smoking is a leading cause of lung and several other cancers, while excessive alcohol increases the risk of cancers like liver, throat, and breast. A study in The Lancet 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 application reduces melanoma risk by 50 per cent.

- Get Adequate Sleep

Chronic sleep deprivation disrupts immune function. A study in Sleep suggests that poor sleep may increase cancer risk, particularly breast cancer.

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