Queenslanders are encouraged to go dry this July by giving up alcohol for the month to raise funds for Cancer Council’s vital 13 11 20 support service.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said that by registering for Dry July and selecting Cancer Council as a beneficiary, participants will be helping to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
“Last year, our experienced health professionals responded to 7855 contacts through our 13 11 20 service, providing vital support to Queenslanders affected by cancer,” Ms McMillan said.
“All funds raised for Cancer Council here in Queensland through Dry July will support the continuation of this important service.”
By calling 13 11 20, anyone affected by cancer can speak to a health professional about anything to do with cancer including:
- How to reduce your risk;
- Questions about early detection;
- Dealing with a cancer diagnosis;
- How to cope with treatment and its side effects;
- The emotional impact and counselling;
- Practical concerns and the support that is available; and
- Palliative care and end of life concerns and support.
Cancer Council’s latest estimates show that by 2040 the number of Australians 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,” Ms McMillan said.
The other benefit of taking part in Dry July is reducing your cancer risk, with it estimated that around three per cent of all cancers diagnosed in Australia each year are due to alcohol use.*
“We know that alcohol is a cause of cancer. Research shows that over 3,200 cancers can be attributed to alcohol consumption,” Ms McMillan said.
“Dry July is about more than just giving up alcohol for a month – by signing up today you can raise much needed funds for Cancer Council Queensland and become healthier in the process!”
To participate or to get more information about Dry July visit https://www.dryjuly.com/cancercouncil.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at www.cancerqld.org.au or via 13 11 20.
ENDS
*Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4606742/
Cancer Council 13 11 20 regional statistics
- For Far North Queensland, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 140 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
- For North Queensland, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 247 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
- For the Mackay region, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 79 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
- For the Central Queensland region, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 374 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
- For the Wide Bay-Burnett region, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 97 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
- For the Sunshine Coast region, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 163 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
- For the greater Brisbane region, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 2936 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
- For the South West Queensland region, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 125 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
- For the Gold Coast region, Cancer Council’s 13 11 20 Information and Support Service responded to 871 contacts in 2018, providing support to those impacted by cancer.
For more information, or interviews, media can contact:
Lisa Maynard, Public Relations and Social Media Manager, Cancer Council Queensland
Ph: (07) 3634 5171 or 0488 015 702
E: lisamaynard@cancerqld.org.au