Committing to a 'Dry July' can be beneficial in more ways than one according to Cancer Council WA's regional education officer for the Wheatbelt.
Dry July is a fundraiser that challenges participants to go booze-free for a month to support the wellbeing of people living with cancer.
Cancer Council regional education officer Melissa Pickering said committing to Dry July was not only a great way to improve health but also raise funds for an important cause.
"This year funds raised in support of Cancer Council through Dry July will go towards our 13 11 20 Information and Support Line," Ms Pickering said.
"13 11 20 is a confidential service run by experienced cancer support professionals and is available to those affected by or concerned about cancer.
"The service connects Australians with relevant support, information and resources to help them through their cancer journey.
"Last year, the service provided support to over 41,000 callers nationwide."
Ms Pickering said participating in Dry July also yielded a range of health benefits but warned participants not to opt for sugary drinks in place of alcohol and encouraged them to continue their efforts past July to maintain the health benefits.
"It's estimated that around three per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australia each year are due to alcohol use," Ms Pickering said.
"Going dry for July is a great opportunity to look at how you can reduce your overall alcohol consumption.
"To reduce your cancer risk and improve your health and wellbeing, we recommend you limit how much alcohol you drink or better still, avoid drinking alcohol altogether.
"If you choose to drink, limit your intake to a maximum of two drinks a day and make sure you have alcohol-free days."
Over the past five years, Cancer Council WA has received over $1.2 million as a beneficiary of Dry July.
"These funds have been used to improve the facilities at Crawford Lodge and Milroy Lodge which provide short term accommodation for regional cancer patients and their carers who need to relocate to Perth for their cancer treatment," Ms Pickering said.
People wanting to participate in Dry July can sign up at www.dryjuly.com/cancercouncil.
