Coffee consumption and head and neck cancer risk: a dose-response and site-specific meta-analysis.
Eur J Cancer PrevSep 30, 2026 (epub)
Abdulsalam Alqutub, Mohammed A Awadh, Osama A Alsulami et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis examined the relationship between coffee consumption and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk across 30 studies. It found that higher coffee intake, particularly 3-4 cups/day, was associated with a reduced overall HNC risk (OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.72-0.86). However, increased laryngeal cancer risk was noted (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.24).
Key findings
- Overall protective effect against HNC at >3 cups/day (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.52-0.74).
- Reduced risk for oral cancer at >3 cups/day (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.63-0.80).
- Reduced risk for pharyngeal cancer at >3 cups/day (OR: 0.80, 95% CI: 0.73-0.87).
- Increased laryngeal cancer risk associated with coffee (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04-1.24).
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between coffee consumption and HNC risk can inform dietary recommendations and risk assessment strategies for patients, particularly in populations with varying coffee intake levels.