Cancer Council WA is encouraging West Australians to sign up to Dry July 2026 and quit alcohol for the month, in a bid to raise much-needed funds for the 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line for all Australians affected by cancer.
Cancer Council WA Engagement and Partnerships Manager, Kelly Langley, said committing to the Dry July fundraiser was a great way to raise funds for an important cause.
"Our 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line is a confidential service run by experienced cancer nurses and is available to those affected by or concerned about cancer. This service is not government funded - it is funded through the generosity of donors and fundraisers," Ms Langley 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.
Ms Langley said that participating in Dry July also yielded a range of 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 7,800 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."
To sign up to Dry July and support Cancer Council visit https://www.dryjuly.com/cancercouncil
