Canadian Cancer Society's eighth annual Dry Feb raises funds to support Canadians affected by cancer while raising awareness about the link between alcohol and cancer risk

Following the release of the new Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health, new survey finds that 42% of Canadians who consume alcohol are consuming it at levels that increase risk for alcohol-related consequences.

TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2023 /CNW/ - The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is calling on all Canadians to "go dry" this February. Kicking off on February 1, the eighth annual Dry Feb campaign is a national fundraiser that challenges Canadians to go alcohol-free for the month of February while getting healthy and raising funds for an important cause.

"With the recent release of the new Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health, it's important to raise awareness that alcohol consumption puts you at risk for at least 9 different types of cancer," said Andrea Seale, Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Cancer Society. "That's why we're inviting all Canadians to go alcohol-free this February. It's a great opportunity to kickstart a healthier lifestyle, challenge yourself, and have fun while helping people affected by cancer."

Released yesterday by the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), Canada's Guidance on Alcohol and Health outlines the health risks of alcohol and can help people make an informed decision on whether they drink and how much. CCS recommends that to reduce your cancer risk, it's best not to drink alcohol at all. If you choose to drink, you can keep your cancer risk as low as possible by having no more than 2 standard drinks a week. A standard drink varies by type and volume of alcohol but is typically: 1.5 oz of spirits, 5 oz of wine or 12 oz of beer. The less alcohol you drink, the lower your cancer risk.

A recent survey commissioned by CCS reveals that 42% of Canadians who consume alcohol are drinking more than 2 drinks a week. And while the survey shows that Canadians who consume alcohol want to live healthier, with respondents saying improved physical health and feeling energized is important to them (84% and 82%, respectively), we also know that 2 of out 10 Canadians drink alcohol daily and over 40% of Canadians are not aware that alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer.

It is known that regular alcohol consumption over time, even at low levels, increases cancer risk. Yet, in 2015, an estimated 3,300 new cancer cases diagnosed in Canada were due to alcohol consumption. If the trend continues, the number of new cancer cases due to drinking alcohol will triple to 10,100 in 2042. Despite this, the survey uncovered additional trends in alcohol consumption habits of Canadians who consume alcohol, including:

• 36% say knowing the link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk makes them want to re-examine their relationship with alcohol.
• 48% say they generally feel better when they are consuming less alcohol.
• 41% say new guidance would help them make informed choices about drinking alcohol.

While taking one month off alcohol will not significantly impact a person's risk of developing cancer, Dry Feb provides an opportunity for participants to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol. In fact, after completing 2022's Dry Feb, about three-quarters of surveyed participants said they would drink less in the future. Participants have also reported personal health benefits, such as sleeping better, increased energy levels and an overall improved general sense of well-being.

Since 2016, the annual campaign has raised over $10 million to fund world-leading cancer research, lead change in the most pressing areas of healthy public policy and provide compassionate support for Canadians affected by and living with cancer. Last year, the campaign raised $3.8 million. This year, CCS hopes to raise even more.

Every day and every dollar will make a meaningful difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. Go dry this Feb and feel the benefits. Register or donate today at DryFeb.ca.

About the Canadian Cancer Society

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever.

Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

About Dry Feb

Dry Feb is a national fundraiser, run by a third party, that challenges people to go alcohol-free for the month of February while raising funds for the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS). This online, peer-to-peer fundraising program is owned and operated by Ezy Raise, who runs similar campaigns in Australia (Dry July) and the UK (Sober October) to raise funds and awareness about the link between alcohol and cancer.

Survey Methodology

Hill+Knowlton Strategies used the Leger Opinion online panel to survey 1,501 Canadians who consume alcohol over the period of January 3rd to 5th, 2023. Sampling was done within age, gender, and region quotas. The length of survey was less than 10 minutes. An associated margin of error for a randomly selected sample of n=1,501 would be ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20. 

SOURCE Canadian Cancer Society (National Office)

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