Is it safe to drink coffee regularly? Does drinking coffee increase or decrease the risk of cancer?

Latest Update

Lead in Instant Coffee?

Written by Tod Cooperman, M.D.

Latest Update April 23, 2026 ⓘ

Answer:

Despite some earlier concerns, drinking coffee does not seem to increase the risk of cancer. In fact, some studies link coffee intake with reduced risk of developing certain forms of cancer and reduced progression of colorectal cancer, although a cause-and-effect relationship has not been proven.

Sign in as a member for details, including how risk differs based on the amount of coffee intake. Also learn more about solvents (such as methylene chloride) and toxic heavy metals (such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury) in coffee. See our list of decaf coffees that are not processed with methylene chloride, and get information about a wide variety of popular coffee brands including Anthony's, Bulletproof, Danger Coffee, Folgers, Gevalia, Maxwell House, Nescafe, Peet's, Seattle's Best, Trader Joe's and more.

Also see our article about coffee and heart health.

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