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
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.