Can coffee cause cancer?

Dear Dr. Fritz,

Greetings to you and good day! I am Benjie. I am really anxious because of some news about coffee where a California judge ordered Starbucks and other coffee sellers throughout the state to post warnings about coffee’s potential link to cancer. So, does it mean that I have to put my bulk of coffee in the shelf now? I am really worried because I drink a lot of it. No day passes by that I do not have some, it has been my routine. Coffee perks me up to make me finish my day, without much glitch. So, doc, do I really have to quit coffee for good? What’s your take?

I need some enlightenment. Thank you and may you have more blessings. Benjie of Catalunan Pequeño

Dear Benjie of Catalunan Pequeno,

I understand your fears. Who would not be afraid of cancer? As a matter of fact, I can only imagine a marching slogan for cancer. “Be afraid. Be very afraid.” I feel even the bravest of the brave will cower in fear should cancer get in their way - because that only means one thing: judgment is DEATH.

Actually, this cancer news over coffee is not new to me. I was in my first year in college when our professor told us that decaffeinated coffee causes cancer. But, it’s not my concern because decaffeinated coffee is not my cup of tea. I didn’t hear though that caffeinated coffee causes cancer.

Alright, let’s now zoom in why the California judge issued an order to Starbucks and other coffee sellers throughout the state to post warnings about coffee’s potential link to cancer. This all started when acrylamide was found to form when coffee beans are roasted. Acrylamide is a chemical that the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which is a part of the World Health Organization, claimed that this can “probably” causes cancer in humans.

But, before the claim of the said agency, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggested that coffee may help protect against heart disease. As a matter of fact, it was not the first study to suggest that coffee is good for the heart.

Oh, oh, I would have wanted to start now for the in-depth discussion, but, since we are running of space for now, let me then continue this in my next issue. Until then! Dr. Fritz

(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o Sunstar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we can not answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)