Cancer Council WA encourages everyone to take on Dry July challenge to raise money for critical hotline

Cancer Council WA is encouraging Great Southern residents to quit drinking alcohol next month for the annual Dry July fundraiser, raising much-needed funds for the cancer information hotline.

The Dry July Foundation runs the fundraiser every year for the entire month of July, encouraging people to quit drinking alcohol to raise money for cancer charities including Cancer Council.

The money donated to Cancer Council from the challenge will go towards funding the 13 11 20 cancer information and support line.

The support hotline is confidential, and anyone affected by cancer can call and speak to a health professional about anything to do with the disease including tips on reducing their risk, how to detect cancers early, dealing with a diagnosis, coping with treatment and side effects, emotional support, and end of life issues.

Cancer Council WA’s Great Southern regional cancer prevention coordinator Lavinya Vasudevan said committing to the Dry July challenge was a great way to raise funds for an important cause and reap some health benefits.

“Alcohol causes seven types of cancer, including mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast cancer in women,” she said.

“New research shows that around 7800 cancer cases in Australia each year are caused by alcohol use, and alcohol is responsible for around 4.6 per cent of all cancer cases nationally.

“There is no safe level of alcohol consumption when it comes to cancer risk.

“Any level of drinking increases your risk, and the more you drink, the greater the risk.

“Reducing your alcohol intake reduces your risk.

“For cancer prevention, the safest option is not to drink alcohol.”

Ms Vasudevan said Cancer Council’s support line relied on fundraising to keep experienced cancer nurses available to speak to those affected by or concerned about cancer.

“This service is not government funded — it is funded through the generosity of donors and fundraisers,” she said.

“The service connects West Australians with relevant support, information and resources to help them through their cancer journey.

“Last year, almost 4000 West Australians contacted 13 11 20 for information and support.”

Anyone can sign up for Dry July online through the Dry July website.