Coffee and tea intake and survival of cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose: Coffee and tea intake has been suggested to favourably affect survival of cancer patients, but studies published so far produced conflicting results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize the existing evidence on the association between coffee and tea consumption and cancer survival across different types of cancers. Methods: We included 26 prospective studies (1993–2023) involving over 40,000 cancer patients from North America, Europe, and Asia. Summary hazard ratios (SHR) comparing high versus low consumption levels were calculated using random effects meta-analysis models for recurrence/progression/death. Results: Overall, a protective effect of coffee and tea consumption on cancer survival was suggested. High coffee and/or tea intake was associated with a 24% reduction in the cancer progression risk (SHR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.67–0.87, I2 = 57%). Subgroup analysis indicated a stronger protective effect for tea consumption (SHR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.44–0.92, I2 = 45%) compared to coffee. The strongest evidence emerged for colorectal cancer (SHR = 0.75, 95% CI 0.68–0.83, I2 = 12%); for breast cancer, only tea consumption showed a significant reduction in risk. Dose–response meta-analysis revealed that each additional cup of coffee/tea significantly reduced the risk of colorectal and breast cancer progression (SHR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91–0.95, I2 = 0% and SHR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.81–0.99, I2 = 57%, respectively). No significant effects were observed for prostate cancer, while data on other sites were too limited. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests a protective role for coffee and tea in cancer survival, particularly for colorectal cancer. However, further research is needed to better understand their effects on other cancer types.