International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) just issued a report on June 15 on 'possible carsinogenic' classifications. And coffee is included in the review.
The press release states that coffee is no longer grouped in '2B' a code to classify 'possibly carcinogenic to humans'. However, the report also shows a positive association between drinking beverages that are too hot with esophageal cancer.
In 1991, IARC classified coffee as substance that could cause cancer; a possibly carcinogenic. But after conducting a thousand of researches, scientists found that there was not enough evidence to state that coffee has carcinogenic effects that can trigger cancer, IARC reported.
This could be a good news for coffee addicts but Dana Loomis from IARC still suggests drinkers to be cautious because the report does not show that 'coffee is certainly safe', Reuters reported.
In the scientific report, it lists some of the studies in hot beverages consumptions in countries like China, Turkey and Iran. The finding recorded that 'very hot beverages' with temperature of 65 degrees Celsius and above, could lead to esophageal cancer risk.
IARC director, Christopher Wild, explains that hot drinks could probably be hazardous and responsible for esophageal cancer due to the temperature factor. Countries in South America, Asia and East Africa are often associated with drinking very hot beverages. And the report shows that the majority of esophageal cancers occur in those countries. Extremely hot beverages can damage the esophagus cells that may cause cancer, NBC News reported.
Apart from the possibility, researchers claimed that further studies on cancer-causing agents have to be done.
Scientists suggest coffee drinkers to cool down the coffee
Whether it is safe or dangerous, WHO spokesperson advises drinkers to 'be prudent' by letting the hot drinks cool down a bit.
Researchers who gathered the evidences, also classified other agents that can cause esophageal cancer including smoking and alcohol consumption.
