Giving up alcohol for a month might be a challenge, but it could go a long way in helping Tasmanians affected by cancer.
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This July the Cancer Council Tasmania Teetotalers will be "going dry" and raising much needed funds for the not-for-profit organisation and its telephone support and information service.
The Cancer Council is one of the six major beneficiaries for Dry July - a fundraising initiative that encourages people to go alcohol free for a month.
Cancer Council Tasmania's statewide marketing coordinator and Teetotalers team leader Pip Cooper said the connection between cancer and alcohol consumption in Australia was extremely concerning.
"I watched the Cancer Council video on the direct link between alcohol and cancer in February and it really scared me," she said.
"I took that month off alcohol to see what happened.
"Apart from getting more things done after dinner, better sleep was the immediate result.
"So I'm ready to enjoy all that again in July."
In other news:
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- Three people charged following alleged armed robbery of South Launceston man
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More than 3200 cancers cases in Australia can be attributed to alcohol consumption.
It's also estimated that about 3 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australia each year are due to alcohol consumption.
Ms Egan said a family history of cancer had also impacted her decision to reduce her alcohol intake.
"The toll it takes on your body and brain isn't worth it so I've reduced what I drink considerably to around only three units a week," she said.
"I also think as you get older your body's ability to deal with alcohol reduces so it made sense to reduce my intake.
"And with strokes, dementia and cancer in my family history I honestly don't think I can risk it."
All funds raised through Dry July in Tasmania will stay within the state.
For more information, to register or to make a donation, visit dryjuly.com.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
