Coffee, tea could affect uterine cancer rates

April 16, 2009 A study in the International Journal of Cancer finds women who drink a few cups of coffee and tea each day may have a lower risk of endometrial cancer. That's a cancer in the lining of the uterus.

Exactly why tea and coffee might protect against this cancer is not certain.

Some possibilities are that both have antioxidant compounds or it could just be the caffeine.

Lab research shows that caffeine induces certain enzymes that help neutralize potentially cancer causing substances in the body.