--- title: "Does Caffeine Cause Breast Cancer? Coffee and Tea Facts" description: "Does caffeine, coffee or tea cause breast cancer? What the WHO’s cancer agency found, why very hot drinks are the real concern, and what the NHS says on risk." url: https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/does-caffeine-cause-breast-cancer/ robots: noindex --- # Does Caffeine Cause Breast Cancer? Coffee and Tea Facts Myths and facts ## Quick answer There is no known link. In 2016 the World Health Organization’s cancer agency, IARC, reviewed more than 1,000 studies. Many showed coffee drinking had no cancer-causing effect for female breast cancer, and coffee was rated “not classifiable” as a cause of cancer. IARC’s warning was about drinks above 65°C, which probably cause cancer of the oesophagus. Source: [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) **Content updated:** 22 October 2026 . Reviewed by a UK GP for World Aid Network on 22 October 2026 . [How we prepare health information](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/) · [Report an error](https://breastcancer-charity.org/corrections/) **How this page is sourced:** health information here comes from NHS, NICE and WHO pages, linked beside each claim. It is general information: a GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. ## Quick facts WHO (IARC) rating for coffee Group 3: not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans Source: [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) Female breast cancer Many studies showed coffee drinking had no carcinogenic effects Source: [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) Very hot drinks (above 65°C) Probably carcinogenic (Group 2A), linked to cancer of the oesophagus Source: [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) The drink the NHS does mention Alcohol: it advises avoiding more than 14 units a week Source: [NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) ## Key takeaways - The WHO’s cancer agency found no conclusive evidence that drinking coffee causes cancer. [(WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016))](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) - Many studies showed coffee drinking had no cancer-causing effect for female breast cancer. [(WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016))](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) - IARC’s 2016 review looked at coffee, maté and very hot drinks. It did not give caffeine or tea a rating of their own. [(WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016))](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) - Temperature is the concern: drinks above 65°C probably cause cancer of the oesophagus. [(WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016))](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) - The drink the NHS links to breast cancer is alcohol. It suggests cutting down and not drinking more than 14 units a week. [(NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) ## What did the WHO find about coffee and cancer? In June 2016, 23 scientists brought together by IARC, the cancer agency of the World Health Organization, reviewed more than 1,000 studies in humans and animals. They found inadequate evidence that drinking coffee causes cancer overall. Coffee was placed in Group 3, “not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans”. This replaced an older 1991 rating of “possibly carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2B). Many studies showed coffee drinking had no cancer-causing effect for cancers of the pancreas, female breast and prostate. Lower risks were seen for cancers of the liver and the lining of the womb (endometrium). For more than 20 other cancers, the evidence was inconclusive. Source: [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) ## What about tea and caffeine? The 2016 review covered coffee, maté (an infusion of dried leaves drunk mainly in South America) and very hot drinks. It did not rate tea or caffeine on their own. Its main warning was about temperature. Drinking very hot drinks, above 65°C, was rated “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) because of a link with cancer of the oesophagus (food pipe). The studies came from places where tea or maté is traditionally drunk at about 70°C. IARC’s director said it is the temperature, rather than the drinks themselves, that appears to be responsible. Source: [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) ## Can caffeine make breasts sore? NHS hospital leaflets differ on whether cutting caffeine eases sore breasts. Royal United Hospitals Bath says cutting down alcohol or caffeine does not seem to help breast pain. Gateshead Health lists cutting down on caffeine among lifestyle changes that may help. Neither leaflet links caffeine to breast cancer. The NHS says breast pain is usually linked to periods, and that breast pain by itself is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer. Sources: [Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust: Breast pain (mastalgia) leaflet](https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/patient_information/BRU022_Mastalgia.pdf); [Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust: Breast pain leaflet](https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/resources/breast-pain/); [NHS: Breast pain](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/breast-pain/) ## What does raise breast cancer risk? The NHS says you may be more likely to get breast cancer if you are over 50, have dense breast tissue, have close family who have had breast or ovarian cancer, have certain breast conditions or have higher hormone levels. To lower your chance, it suggests: - cutting down on alcohol and avoiding drinking more than 14 units a week - losing weight if you are overweight - stopping smoking The World Health Organization also lists harmful use of alcohol among the factors that increase breast cancer risk. Coffee and tea are not on either list. Sources: [NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/); [World Health Organization: Breast cancer fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer) ## Which breast changes should you get checked? Whatever you drink, the NHS says to see a GP or doctor if you notice: - a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit - a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (it may look like orange peel) - a change in skin colour – on white skin it may look red, on black or brown skin it may look darker than usual - a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts - nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it - a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards or a rash on it If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it is easier to treat. Source: [NHS: Symptoms of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) ## Frequently asked questions Does coffee cause breast cancer? There is no known link. The WHO’s cancer agency, IARC, said in 2016 that many studies showed coffee drinking had no carcinogenic effects for female breast cancer. Overall, it rated coffee as not classifiable as a cause of cancer in humans (Group 3). Source: [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) Is tea linked to breast cancer? IARC’s 2016 review did not give tea its own rating. Its warning was about temperature: drinking very hot drinks, above 65°C, probably causes cancer of the oesophagus. WHO guidance says people should not drink drinks when they are very hot (scalding hot). Source: [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) Which drink is linked to breast cancer? Alcohol is the drink the NHS links to breast cancer. To lower your chance of getting breast cancer, it suggests trying to cut down and avoiding drinking more than 14 units a week. Coffee and tea are not on its list. Source: [NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) Does cutting caffeine help breast pain? NHS hospital leaflets differ. Royal United Hospitals Bath says cutting down alcohol or caffeine does not seem to help breast pain, though it may improve your general health. It also says having breast pain does not increase your risk of breast cancer. Source: [Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust: Breast pain (mastalgia) leaflet](https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/patient_information/BRU022_Mastalgia.pdf) When should I see a doctor about my breasts? See a GP or doctor if you have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit, or any change in your breasts or nipples that is not normal for you. Having symptoms does not definitely mean breast cancer, but it is important to get checked. Source: [NHS: Symptoms of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) ## Sources and references - [WHO cancer agency (IARC): Press release No. 244 – coffee, maté and very hot beverages (2016)](https://www.iarc.who.int/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr244_E.pdf) - [NHS: Causes of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/causes-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) - [World Health Organization: Breast cancer fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer) - [Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust: Breast pain (mastalgia) leaflet](https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/patient_information/BRU022_Mastalgia.pdf) - [Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust: Breast pain leaflet](https://www.gatesheadhealth.nhs.uk/resources/breast-pain/) - [NHS: Breast pain](https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/breast-pain/) - [NHS: Symptoms of breast cancer in women](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-women/) This page is general information, not medical advice. A GP or doctor can advise on your own situation. Source links do not imply endorsement by the NHS or another organisation. See our [editorial policy](https://breastcancer-charity.org/editorial-policy/). ## Related reading - [Breast cancer causes and risk factors →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-causes-and-risk-factors/) - [Breast cancer prevention →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-cancer-prevention/) - [Breast cancer myths →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/blog/breast-cancer-myths/) - [Does deodorant cause breast cancer? →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/does-deodorant-cause-breast-cancer/) - [Breast cancer FAQ →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/faq/) ## More myths and facts answers - [Q Does deodorant cause breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/does-deodorant-cause-breast-cancer/) - [Q Do underwire bras cause breast cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/do-underwire-bras-cause-breast-cancer/) - [Q Does breast size affect breast cancer risk?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/does-breast-size-affect-breast-cancer-risk/) - [Q Can a mammogram cause cancer?](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/can-a-mammogram-cause-cancer/) [All answers →](https://breastcancer-charity.org/answers/)