Constant mechanical irritation of epithelial surfaces causes inflammation, which predisposes to the development of cancer. It has also been suggested that foods and drinks with chemically irritant components may be a cause of cancers of those sites with which they come into direct contact. Again there is not much evidence for this theory, with the possible exception of chilli and stomach of cancer.

There is, however, some evidence that some thermally hot drinks are a cause of cancers of those sites with which they come into direct contact. The mate (cimarron), an herbal infusion is probably a cause of cancer of the esophagus, and there is limited evidence suggesting that it is also a cause of other cancers of the oral cavity. It is because of the way the infusion is traditionally drunk in the pampas region within the southern cone of Latin America, in northern Argentina, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. It is drunk extremely hot from a gourd through a metal straw, which is often kept rested in the mouth, rather like the stem of tobacco pipe. There is also limited evidence suggesting that various other very hot drinks and foods are a cause of cancer of the esophagus when they are consumed regularly.

Some studies are looking into whether barbecued, fried and roasted meat cooked at high temperatures can increase the risk. These methods of cooking increase the content of chemicals called heterocyclic amines in food and these chemicals may increase cancer risk. (Ref).