Research is continuing to show a link between the consumption of alcohol and the development of certain cancers. With the growing body of evidence the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) has developed a fundraising and awareness campaign that asks individuals to enjoy a 'Dry February.'

Karla Heintz, the Senior Manager of Programs with the Canadian Cancer Society, believes it's a great way for people to clear their heads and support an important cause.

"It's a fundraiser that challenges individuals to go alcohol-free for the month, and raise funds for the Canadian Cancer Society. It's kind of a time where people can become more healthy, clear their head a little bit, and support a cause that's near and dear to so many of our hearts."

Besides fundraising, the Dry February campaign is also meant to raise awareness about the link between alcohol use and cancer. According to surveys conducted by the CCS, only about one-third of Canadians are aware of any link. This despite the fact that studies supporting the link were first published back in the eighties. If you're wondering if the type of alcohol you drink matters, Karla is here to tell you no.

"A question we get quite a bit is, does it matter what type of alcohol? The answer is no." Karla said. "All alcohol has ethanol in it, as it breaks down in our bodies, it breaks down into two other compounds that we know causes cancer humans. So as cells become damaged, the alcohol also delays the body's ability to naturally repair any damaged DNA."

Types of cancer that are more prevalent with alcohol consumption include cancers of the neck, head, breast, stomach,  liver, and pancreas. 

2020 marks the fourth year that the society has run its Dry February campaign. February was selected as the society's dry month because of it proximity to the new year and World Cancer Day.

"We also have World Cancer Day in the month of February. It's a nice association where people can gain awareness, and it's a time where people tend to do a lot of reflection, and take a look at last year and set some goals for the year."

Besides individuals going 'dry' in the month of February, the campaign also encourages teams to raise funds and go dry together for the month. The campaign's website also encourages competition with a team and individual fundraising leader board. For more information about Dry February visit dryfeb.ca.

 For more information on the link between Cancer and alcohol, you can visit prevent.cancer.ca.