Reasons to go dry THIS JULY

The Cancer Council is calling on Victorians to temporarily quit booze next month to raise funds for its 13 11 20 support line which services Australians affected by cancer.

Andrew Buchanan, head of fundraising at Cancer Council Victoria, said people who register for Dry July and select Cancer  Council as a beneficiary will help to safeguard Aussies from braving cancer alone.

“Last year, more than 41,000 callers received support and information from Cancer Council’s experienced cancer support staff through our 13 11 20 service,” Mr Buchanan said.

“All funds raised for Cancer Council here in Victoria through Dry July will support local families affected by cancer.

“Our support services are 100 per cent donor funded, so without the generosity of fundraisers, we wouldn’t be able to provide this vital service.”

The 13 11 20 service, which is operated by a team of cancer nurses, allows those touched by cancer to ask questions about:

• Emotional support
• How to reduce your risk
• Questions about early detection
• Dealing with a cancer diagnosis
• How to cope with treatment and its side effects
• Practical support that is available to anyone affected by cancer
• End of life issues

Latest figures out of Cancer Council show that by the year 2040, the number of Aussies with a personal history of cancer will increase by 72 per cent to 1.9 million.

“With the number of people affected by cancer increasing, Cancer Council’s services like 13 11 20 will be needed in the future more than ever before,” Mr Buchanan said.

He also said Dry July gives people an opportunity to reduce their risk of cancer, with around three per cent of cancer diagnosis’ in Australia caused by alcohol use each year.

“We know that alcohol is a cause of cancer. Research shows that over 3,200 cancers can be attributed to alcohol consumption, such as mouth, throat, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast cancers,” he said.

To participate in this year’s Dry July or for more information on why you should get involved, visit dryjuly.com.