Regular coffee consumption may be associated with a lower risk of dying from breast cancer and a reduced likelihood of the disease returning, according to a new study. However, experts caution that the findings do not prove that coffee itself prevents cancer progression.
The study, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, followed 95 women diagnosed with breast cancer for approximately 11 years. Researchers examined their intake of polyphenols — naturally occurring plant compounds found in foods and beverages such as coffee, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Women with the highest polyphenol intake were less likely to die from breast cancer and also had a lower risk of recurrence. Coffee was the main source of polyphenols in the participants’ diets. Overall, the group with the highest intake had approximately an 80% lower risk of breast cancer-related death.
Researchers emphasize, however, that the study was observational. This means it identified an association between polyphenol consumption and better outcomes but could not establish that coffee consumption directly caused the reduction in mortality or recurrence.
Coffee contains more than 1,000 biologically active compounds, including caffeine and chlorogenic acids. Some of these substances have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may potentially influence biological processes involved in cancer development.
One possible explanation is that certain compounds in coffee may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress or affect the growth and survival of abnormal cells. However, these mechanisms still require further investigation.
How much coffee is considered safe?For most healthy adults, consuming up to about 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is generally considered safe. This is roughly equivalent to three to five 8-ounce cups of coffee, although caffeine content varies considerably between beverages.
Some people may need to consume less. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised to limit caffeine intake to around 200 milligrams per day. People with certain heart rhythm problems, anxiety, sleep difficulties, or acid reflux may also benefit from limiting caffeine.
The way coffee is prepared can also matter. Adding large amounts of sugar, syrups, or cream can significantly increase its calorie and sugar content.
Coffee is not a cancer treatmentExperts stress that the findings should not be interpreted as evidence that coffee can prevent or treat breast cancer. More research is needed to determine whether the observed association is caused by coffee or by other lifestyle and dietary factors.
Coffee should therefore be viewed as one possible component of an overall healthy lifestyle rather than a substitute for cancer treatment, screening, or medical follow-up.
People who do not drink coffee do not need to start drinking it to obtain polyphenols. These compounds are also found in tea, whole grains, berries, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
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