Our research finds this claim to be inaccurate.
Did the WHO Declare Coffee a Cause of Cancer?
The Claim
"The World Health Organization has declared that drinking coffee causes cancer."
Our Verdict in Brief
Claims circulating on social media suggest that the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially declared that drinking coffee causes cancer. This claim is false. In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization, reviewed more than 1,000 scientific studies and concluded that there is inadequate evidence to classify coffee drinking as carcinogenic. Instead, the agency removed coffee from its list of substances considered "possibly carcinogenic." However, it noted that consuming very hot beverages (above approximately 65°C/149°F), regardless of whether they contain coffee, tea, or other drinks, may increase the risk of esophageal cancer.
Fact Check: Did the World Health Organization Declare Coffee a Cause of Cancer?
Category: Health Fact Check
Verdict: ❌ FALSE
Claims shared on social media allege that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared coffee to be a cause of cancer. Scientific evidence and official statements show this claim is false.
The Claim
Viral posts claim that the World Health Organization officially classified coffee as a cancer-causing substance and advised people to stop drinking it.
Fact Check Summary
The claim is false.
In 2016, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, reviewed more than 1,000 scientific studies on coffee consumption. The agency concluded that there is inadequate evidence to classify coffee as a cause of cancer in humans.
Instead of identifying coffee as carcinogenic, researchers removed coffee from the list of substances previously considered "possibly carcinogenic" due to a lack of convincing evidence.
What the Research Shows
Large observational studies involving millions of participants have found no consistent evidence that moderate coffee consumption increases the risk of most cancers.
Some studies have even suggested that regular coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of certain diseases, including liver disease and some types of cancer. However, researchers continue to study these relationships, and coffee should not be viewed as a medicine.
Health experts emphasize that overall diet, smoking, alcohol use, obesity, and physical activity have a much greater impact on cancer risk than moderate coffee consumption.
The Confusion About Hot Drinks
The confusion often comes from another conclusion reached during the same scientific review.
Researchers found that drinking beverages at extremely high temperatures—generally above 65°C (149°F)—may increase the risk of esophageal cancer because repeated exposure to very hot liquids can damage the lining of the esophagus.
This warning applies to any very hot beverage, including coffee, tea, and herbal drinks. The concern relates to the temperature of the drink, not the coffee itself.
Claim vs Reality
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| WHO declared coffee causes cancer. | ❌ False. |
| Coffee is classified as a carcinogen. | ❌ No. |
| Very hot drinks may increase cancer risk. | ✅ Yes, regardless of beverage type. |
| Moderate coffee consumption is considered safe for most adults. | ✅ Supported by current evidence. |
Why This Claim Spread
The claim likely originated from misunderstanding the WHO's findings regarding very hot beverages. Headlines and social media posts often removed important context, incorrectly suggesting that coffee itself had been identified as carcinogenic.
In reality, the scientific review reached the opposite conclusion regarding coffee.
What Experts Recommend
- Allow very hot drinks to cool before consuming them.
- Drink coffee in moderation if you tolerate caffeine.
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you have medical conditions affected by caffeine.
Final Verdict
❌ FALSE
There is no evidence that the World Health Organization declared coffee to be a cause of cancer. Current scientific evidence indicates that moderate coffee consumption is not classified as carcinogenic. The WHO's cancer research agency instead warns about consuming beverages at extremely high temperatures, regardless of whether they contain coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does coffee cause cancer?
Current scientific evidence does not support classifying coffee as a cause of cancer.
Why do people believe this claim?
Many people confuse research about very hot beverages with research about coffee itself.
Should I stop drinking coffee?
For most healthy adults, moderate coffee consumption is generally considered safe. Individuals with specific health conditions should seek advice from their healthcare provider.
Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
- American Cancer Society
- Mayo Clinic
- National Cancer Institute
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