Based on NIH | Does drinking coffee increase the risk of head and neck cancer?

Coffee and Head & Neck Cancer: What the Evidence Shows

Current evidence does not suggest that drinking coffee increases the risk of head and neck cancers. In fact, several large analyses suggest that caffeinated coffee may be linked with a lower risk of cancers in the oral cavity and pharynx (the mouth and throat behind the mouth), while showing no clear effect on laryngeal (voice box) cancer. ^{[1] [2]}

Key Takeaways

• Multiple pooled and meta-analytic studies of observational data suggest an inverse association between caffeinated coffee and cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx. ^{[1] [2]}
• There is no consistent association between coffee and laryngeal cancer. ^{[1] [2]}
• Major medical organizations list tobacco, heavy alcohol use, HPV, and certain occupational exposures as established head and neck cancer risks; coffee is not listed among them. ^{[3] [4]}

What the Research Says

Pooled Individual-Level Analysis

• A pooled analysis that combined data from nine case–control studies (over 5,000 cases and 9,000 controls) reported that caffeinated coffee intake was associated with a lower risk of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers. For each additional cup per day, the odds decreased slightly, and those drinking more than four cups per day had substantially lower odds compared with non-drinkers. No association was found with laryngeal cancer. Data on decaf were limited but did not suggest increased risk. ^[1]

Systematic Meta-Analysis

• A systematic meta-analysis of observational studies found that higher versus lower coffee intake was associated with a reduced risk of oral cavity/pharyngeal cancer, with similar findings across regions, while finding no clear association with laryngeal cancer. ^[2]

Context: Established Risk Factors

When thinking about head and neck cancer risk, the most important modifiable factors remain tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, HPV infection (especially for oropharyngeal cancers), and certain workplace exposures; routine sources do not highlight coffee as a risk factor. ^{[3] [4]}

• Tobacco and alcohol are the strongest and most consistent risk factors, and combined use magnifies risk. ^{[3] [4]}
• HPV is a key driver for cancers in the tonsils and base of tongue. ^[5]
• Occupational exposures (e.g., wood dusts) can raise risk for specific head and neck sites. ^[5]

Practical Guidance

• Based on current evidence, typical coffee consumption does not appear to raise head and neck cancer risk and may be linked to lower risk for oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers. ^{[1] [2]}
• During active treatment for head and neck cancer, some clinical guidance suggests limiting caffeine for comfort and symptom control (e.g., to reduce mouth/throat irritation or reflux), rather than cancer risk reduction; recommendations may vary by care team and symptoms. ^[6]
• The strongest preventive steps focus on avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, considering HPV vaccination where appropriate, and using protective measures at work when exposed to dusts/chemicals. ^{[3] [4]}

Quick Comparison Table

Question	Oral cavity & pharynx	Larynx
Does coffee increase risk?	Evidence suggests a decrease, not an increase. [1] [2]	No clear association (no increase shown). [1] [2]
Decaf coffee?	Limited data; no increase indicated. [1]	Limited data; no clear signal. [1]
Strongest proven risks for these cancers?	Tobacco, alcohol; HPV especially for oropharynx. [3] [5]	Tobacco, alcohol; certain occupational exposures. [3] [5]

Bottom Line

• Current observational evidence suggests caffeinated coffee is not a risk factor for head and neck cancers and may be linked to a lower risk of oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers, while showing no clear link with laryngeal cancer. ^{[1] [2]}
• Focus prevention on avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, addressing HPV, and protecting against workplace exposures, which are the best-supported strategies to reduce head and neck cancer risk. ^{[3] [5] [4]}