Can Coffee Cause Cancer? Let’s Look at the Facts!
If you’re a coffee lover, you may have heard of people saying things like, “too much coffee will give you cancer.” But is that really true? A recent article by the Oncology Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group (ON DPG) takes a closer look at caffeine and cancer, helping to clear up some of the confusion and misinformation.
According to this article, drinking coffee does not increase your cancer risk. In fact, coffee might even help lower the chances of getting certain types of cancer. Research shows that drinking coffee could help protect against cancers like basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), some liver cancers, endometrial cancer and cancers in the mouth and throat. For other cancers, like breast, prostate, and lung cancer, studies have not found a strong link between coffee and increased risk.
What’s in coffee that makes it helpful? Coffee is packed with phytonutrients and antioxidants - natural compounds that protect your body’s cells from damage. These antioxidants, along with other nutrients in coffee, may play a role in cancer prevention.
But here’s an important point: both the amount of coffee consumed and type of coffee are important to think about. The article warns that too much caffeine can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. If you have heart-related issues, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about how much caffeine is safe for you. Also, drinks like lattes or energy drinks can be enjoyed, but they may contain ingredients that may not have the same properties as coffee or tea.
Another thing this article highlights is that lifestyle factors - like smoking and alcohol consumption can influence cancer risk. Sometimes coffee drinkers in studies had higher cancer risks, but that was often linked to smoking or other lifestyle behaviors, not the coffee itself.
If you’re curious to learn more, you can explore the full article here. For personalized guidance and support, our Oncology Dietitian, Jessy Griffel, is here to help. Schedule an appointment today and lets work together to meet your unique nutrition needs.
Written by Jessy Griffel, RD, LN, CNSC
Jessy specializes in: Cancer nutrition care and enteral nutrition support therapy (Tube feeding support), athletes/outdoor enthusiast, plant-based (vegetarian/vegan) diets, nutritional deficiencies and abnormal lab values, and weight concerns addressed through a weight-inclusive approach.