Health News Today: Cancer Risks, Aging, 9/11 Impact & More

Smiling elderly woman, cancer cell, aging insights data, and researchers in an office.

This week's health news covers new findings linking very hot beverages to increased cancer risk, surprising insights into how a lung disease drug might slow biological aging, and the ongoing long-term health consequences faced by 9/11 responders. Additionally, research highlights alcohol's growing impact on younger…

September 12, 2026 – This week in health news, new studies highlight potential risks associated with common beverages, offer surprising insights into biological aging, and underscore the long-term health consequences of critical events. Researchers are continually working to understand the complex factors influencing human health, from daily habits to environmental exposures. Very Hot Beverages Linked to Increased Cancer Risk A significant study involving nearly one million adults, conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford, has drawn a connection between consuming very hot beverages and an elevated risk of cancer. The findings suggest that drinking tea and coffee at temperatures exceeding 60°C (140°F) may triple the risk of esophageal cancer. Esophageal cancer, which affects the tube connecting the throat to the stomach, is particularly aggressive, and early detection can be challenging. This research emphasizes the importance of allowing beverages to cool to a safer temperature before consumption, a simple behavioral change that could potentially mitigate serious health risks for millions worldwide. The study, which tracked participants for an average of 10 years…