By Dr Sharan Sharma

A new study published online in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention (22nd July) showed an inverse association between the caffeinated coffee drinking and the risk of cancer of oral cavity and pharynx. Several past studies have reported an inverse association between coffee intake and the risk of cancer of oral cavity and pharynx but most studies reported inconsistent results. The association between head and neck cancers and caffeinated coffee, decaffeinated coffee, or tea intake was assessed by estimating the odds ratios (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using unconditional logistic regression models. The research found that caffeinated coffee intake was inversely related with the risk of cancer of the oral cavity and pharynx: the ORs were 0.96 (95% CI, 0.94–0.98) for an increment of 1 cup per day and 0.61 (95% CI, 0.47–0.80) in drinkers of >4 cups per day versus nondrinkers. However, no association was found between coffee drinking and laryngeal cancer. Decaffeinated coffee intake was not associated with increased risk though data on decaffeinated coffee were too sparse for detailed analysis. Similarly, tea intake was not associated with head and neck cancer risk (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.89–1.11 for drinkers versus nondrinkers).

Noting on the impact of the study the authors write "Given widespread use of coffee and the relatively high incidence and low survival of head and neck cancers, the observed inverse association may have appreciable public health relevance". Meanwhile the researchers cautions that it is important to conclusively establish with further studies whether the observed inverse association between caffeinated coffee drinking and head and neck cancer risk is causal, as this would have huge public health impact.