Cancer Council WA encourages Great Southern people to sign up for Dry July fundraiser for free support line

Cancer Council WA is encouraging people in the Great Southern to quit alcohol for a month and pick up a hot drink for this year’s Dry July fundraiser.

In a bid to raise crucial funds for the 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line, a free Australian service, the Cancer Council WA encourages Great Southerners to sign up for Dry July 2025.

Helping more than 37,000 Australians last year, the number provides a free confidential service by experienced cancer nurses providing emotional and practical support in coping with treatment and side effects as well as end of life. There’s also advice on risk reduction and early detection.

Cancer Council WA’s Great Southern education officer Bruce Beamish said Dry July was a great way to raise funds for an important cause that supported nearly 5800 people Statewide in 2024.

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

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

Mr Beamish said that participating in Dry July also yielded a range of health benefits.

“Going dry for July is a great opportunity to look at how you can reduce your overall alcohol use,” he said.

“Alcohol is a cause of cancer, research shows that every year more than 3500 cases of cancer can be attributed to alcohol use, such as mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast cancer in women.

“There is no safe level of alcohol use, as any level increases the risk of developing an alcohol-caused cancer. The more you drink, and the more often you drink, the greater your risk.

“To reduce your cancer risk, reduce your drinking.”

To sign up to Dry July visit dryjuly.com/cancercouncil and for more information about the Cancer Council’s support services, visit cancerwa.asn.au or call 13 11 20.