How not drinking alcohol in February can support the Canadian Cancer Society
The start of a new month brings the opportunity to raise money and awareness for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Dry Feb starts Wednesday and it challenges Canadians to not drink alcohol during the month of February.
Susan Flynn with the Canadian Cancer Society said this is the eighth year this fundraiser has been happening.
"Almost 40 per cent of Canadians are not aware that alcohol consumption can increase cancer risk. And in fact, drinking any kind of alcohol can increase your risk of nine different cancers," said Flynn.
Besides reducing the risk of cancer, Flynn noted people have experienced several positive effects once they have cut alcohol out of their system.
"We have heard people have experienced better sleep, more energy, better concentration, people have also reported their skin looked better and that they've enjoyed seeing what it's like going without alcohol for a month."
For this campaign to be successful means people have to try and stay on track and not consume any alcoholic beverages.
Flynn said there are several tips and tricks people try to help them get through the entire month including getting friends to go dry together, getting support from family and friends and trying new mocktails.
Flynn noted this is a national fundraiser and all money raised support several initiatives.
"So the money raised through Dry Feb goes to support the programs that we run here at the Canadian Cancer Society nationwide. So that might include research, some of our programs, compassionate programs for people living with cancer in their family, we support cancer prevention education, as well as supporting policies for healthy Canadians."
To make a donation or register for Dry Feb people can go online for more information.
- With files from CTV News' Maralee Caruso
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Half of Canadians have negative opinion of latest Liberal budget: poll
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Doctors combine a pig kidney transplant and a heart device in a bid to extend woman's life
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.