Drink problem: 'Will hot tea damage my health?'

I have always enjoyed very hot drinks. I've usually finished my tea when other people are still blowing on theirs. Will this damage my health?

Dr Fred Kavalier answers your health question:

There have been suggestions in the medical literature that drinking very hot drinks increases the risk of cancers of the mouth, soft palate and oesophagus. It is difficult to do research in this area, because it is almost impossible to gather accurate information about the temperature at which people have been drinking tea and coffee over many years. The few studies that have been done suggest that drinking very hot drinks may cause a slight increase in the risk of cancer of the oesophagus. But the quality of this research is far from perfect, and the evidence is not strong enough to make a reliable recommendation. If the hot drink doesn't scald your tongue, it is unlikely to damage the oesophagus.

Please mail your questions for Dr Fred to health@independent.co.uk. He regrets that he is unable to respond personally to questions.