Latest news with #CancerCouncilWA
Perth Now
04-07-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
The big perks of putting down booze this Dry July revealed
As West Australians turn to non-alcoholic alternatives this Dry July, experts say cutting out alcohol can have health benefits in just a week — let alone a month. Dry July encourages people to give up alcohol for the month to raise funds for cancer patients across the country. Cancer Council WA alcohol program manager Julia Stafford said joining the challenge has a long list of health benefits but the biggest perk was breaking the habit of ordering a bevvy every time you go to a bar. 'The greatest benefit will really come from reducing how much you drink over the longer term,' she said. 'It can be the start of finding some alternative ways to socialise and alternative drinks that you find appealing but don't have alcohol in them.' Perth bars like the Rooftop at QT are offering extra non-alcoholic alternatives this month so people can still enjoy drinking with their friends — without the hangover. Bartenders Remy Wise-Petering and Tseg Asressewill will be serving up blueberry no-jitos, featuring Lyre's white cane spirit, instead of mojitos this month. Bartenders Remy Wise-Petering and Tseg Asressewill with the mocktails at QT. Credit: Ross Swanborough / The West Australian Another non-alcohol treat is a sober sunrise, as an alternative to a tequila sunrise. Habit Change Institute director Gina Cleo said swapping to a mocktail was a great way to kick the drinking habit. 'It's really hard to sometimes stop a social habit, but if you were to swap your alcoholic drink for a non-alcoholic drink, then you don't feel as though you're missing out as much because you still get to go out,' she said. Here's a timeline of how your body can react after putting down the booze. One Week Better sleep is the No. 1 improvement people will notice after just one week of putting down the booze. The liver starts to recover almost immediately after not having any drinks and after one week your skin begins to rehydrate leading to clearer skin and more energy. 'We're aware that within around a week of taking a break from alcohol, you could experience a better quality sleep, improved concentration and focus,' Ms Stafford said. 'That break might help also reduce fatigue and give you back some of that energy to explore other opportunities — things to do other than drinking alcohol.' Two Weeks Cutting out alcohol can improve digestion in just two weeks especially for those whose stomachs become irritated when drinking alcohol. Dr Cleo said many people would notice a boost in their mood and fewer energy crashes. 'Their bloating starts to go down, they might feel lighter overall, and they're also just more likely to make healthier food and sleep choices,' Dr Cleo said. 'It really has a ripple effect.' Three Weeks Dr Cleo said after three weeks habits to do with eating can change completely. 'You may notice weight loss, if alcohol was contributing extra calories, and you will notice that cravings for things like sugar or late night snacks often go away because your blood sugar levels are stabilised a lot more,' she said. Sleep cycles can also reset completely after three weeks allowing for deeper and more restorative rest. One Month Liver function improves significantly after a month away from alcohol and people feel more emotionally balanced and mentally focused. Dr Cleo said more importantly for someone really drawn to alcohol it takes about 30 days of abstinence to rewire the brain to stop that habit. 'People will really notice clearer skin, fewer headaches, much more stable moods and probably, most importantly, people have proven to themselves that they can make a change and that confidence carries into other parts of their life,' she said. 'A month is such a great start into changing that habit and a lot of people do just feel so good they don't want to go back to drinking, and if they do, they at least have had an opportunity to be mindful of their relationship with alcohol.' The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015
West Australian
04-07-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Experts share benefits of going sober for a month as Perth bar QT offers mocktails to celebrate Dry July
As West Australians turn to non-alcoholic alternatives this Dry July, experts say cutting out alcohol can have health benefits in just a week — let alone a month. Dry July encourages people to give up alcohol for the month to raise funds for cancer patients across the country. Cancer Council WA alcohol program manager Julia Stafford said joining the challenge has a long list of health benefits but the biggest perk was breaking the habit of ordering a bevvy every time you go to a bar. 'The greatest benefit will really come from reducing how much you drink over the longer term,' she said. 'It can be the start of finding some alternative ways to socialise and alternative drinks that you find appealing but don't have alcohol in them.' Perth bars like the Rooftop at QT are offering extra non-alcoholic alternatives this month so people can still enjoy drinking with their friends — without the hangover. Bartenders Remy Wise-Petering and Tseg Asressewill will be serving up blueberry no-jitos, featuring Lyre's white cane spirit, instead of mojitos this month. Another non-alcohol treat is a sober sunrise, as an alternative to a tequila sunrise. Habit Change Institute director Gina Cleo said swapping to a mocktail was a great way to kick the drinking habit. 'It's really hard to sometimes stop a social habit, but if you were to swap your alcoholic drink for a non-alcoholic drink, then you don't feel as though you're missing out as much because you still get to go out,' she said. Here's a timeline of how your body can react after putting down the booze. One Week Better sleep is the No. 1 improvement people will notice after just one week of putting down the booze. The liver starts to recover almost immediately after not having any drinks and after one week your skin begins to rehydrate leading to clearer skin and more energy. 'We're aware that within around a week of taking a break from alcohol, you could experience a better quality sleep, improved concentration and focus,' Ms Stafford said. 'That break might help also reduce fatigue and give you back some of that energy to explore other opportunities — things to do other than drinking alcohol.' Two Weeks Cutting out alcohol can improve digestion in just two weeks especially for those whose stomachs become irritated when drinking alcohol. Dr Cleo said many people would notice a boost in their mood and fewer energy crashes. 'Their bloating starts to go down, they might feel lighter overall, and they're also just more likely to make healthier food and sleep choices,' Dr Cleo said. 'It really has a ripple effect.' Three Weeks Dr Cleo said after three weeks habits to do with eating can change completely. 'You may notice weight loss, if alcohol was contributing extra calories, and you will notice that cravings for things like sugar or late night snacks often go away because your blood sugar levels are stabilised a lot more,' she said. Sleep cycles can also reset completely after three weeks allowing for deeper and more restorative rest. One Month Liver function improves significantly after a month away from alcohol and people feel more emotionally balanced and mentally focused. Dr Cleo said more importantly for someone really drawn to alcohol it takes about 30 days of abstinence to rewire the brain to stop that habit. 'People will really notice clearer skin, fewer headaches, much more stable moods and probably, most importantly, people have proven to themselves that they can make a change and that confidence carries into other parts of their life,' she said. 'A month is such a great start into changing that habit and a lot of people do just feel so good they don't want to go back to drinking, and if they do, they at least have had an opportunity to be mindful of their relationship with alcohol.' The National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015
West Australian
04-07-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Kimberley residents urged to act on cancer symptoms amid worrying new data
Kimberley residents are being urged not to ignore potential cancer symptoms, with new data revealing almost half of regional West Australians would wait to see if symptoms disappeared on their own before seeking medical help. Cancer Council WA has relaunched its Give Yourself the Best Chance campaign under its Find Cancer Early program after survey results showed 16 per cent of respondents would simply ignore symptoms entirely. Kimberley regional education officer Michelle Wilson said while early detection messages were starting to resonate, there was still a long way to go. 'The Give Yourself the Best Chance campaign urges regional West Australians over 40 to give themselves the best chance of being around longer for their family and friends by seeing their doctor early if they notice any unusual changes in their body, like blood in their poo or wee, or coughing up blood,' Ms Wilson said. 'These latest survey results back up what previous research in WA has shown — people living in regional areas tend to seek help later than those in the city.' Ms Wilson said this could be due to lower awareness of cancer symptoms, a more laid-back attitude, or travel barriers that discouraged people from seeking help, all of which could lead to later stage cancer diagnoses. 'We know that people in regional Australia have lower five-year survival rates for all cancers combined when compared to metropolitan Australians,' she said. 'Putting off seeing your doctor, clinic nurse or Aboriginal health worker could cost you a good outcome.' The Cancer Council has urged people in the Kimberley region older than 40 to act on any unusual changes in their bodies and not to delay seeing a medical professional. 'If you notice blood in your poo or wee, or if you've coughed up blood, don't wait. Getting it checked doesn't necessarily mean you have cancer, but it's better to be safe,' Ms Wilson said. The organisation also reminded residents that national screening programs such as bowel cancer screening kits, cervical screening, and mammograms were only for people without symptoms, and waiting for screening instead of seeking immediate medical advice could lead to dangerous delays.
West Australian
02-07-2025
- Health
- West Australian
Cancer Council WA encourages Great Southern people to sign up for Dry July fundraiser for free support line
Cancer Council WA is encouraging people in the Great Southern to quit alcohol for a month and pick up a hot drink for this year's Dry July fundraiser. In a bid to raise crucial funds for the 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line, a free Australian service, the Cancer Council WA encourages Great Southerners to sign up for Dry July 2025. Helping more than 37,000 Australians last year, the number provides a free confidential service by experienced cancer nurses providing emotional and practical support in coping with treatment and side effects as well as end of life. There's also advice on risk reduction and early detection. Cancer Council WA's Great Southern education officer Bruce Beamish said Dry July was a great way to raise funds for an important cause that supported nearly 5800 people Statewide in 2024. 'This service is not government-funded, it is funded through the generosity of donors and fundraisers,' he said. 'The service connects West Australians with relevant support, information and resources to help them through their cancer journey.' Mr Beamish said that participating in Dry July also yielded a range of health benefits. 'Going dry for July is a great opportunity to look at how you can reduce your overall alcohol use,' he said. 'Alcohol is a cause of cancer, research shows that every year more than 3500 cases of cancer can be attributed to alcohol use, such as mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, liver, bowel and breast cancer in women. 'There is no safe level of alcohol use, as any level increases the risk of developing an alcohol-caused cancer. The more you drink, and the more often you drink, the greater your risk. 'To reduce your cancer risk, reduce your drinking.' To sign up to Dry July visit and for more information about the Cancer Council's support services, visit or call 13 11 20.
West Australian
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Harvey's little library filled as close to 100 people pack in to take part in the Biggest Morning Tea
Harvey's little library was filled to the brim as almost 100 people packed in to for tea and biscuits for a cause on Thursday. The crowds came together in the Harvey War Memorial Library to take part in the Biggest Morning Tea in a bid to raise money for the Cancer Council WA. With music performed by the Harvey Ukulele Group Strummers, platters of food and an auction to win major awards were on offer. Shire president Michelle Campbell said it was outstanding to have so many come people together to raise money for cancer research. 'This is a fabulous cause,' she said. 'We've been on many journeys with our family members dealing with cancer, and I'm sure there's lots in the room that have known someone, or have personally been on that journey with cancer as well.' Cr Campbell thanked the community for turning up in force, and bringing several platters of food for everyone to share. 'Everybody has contributed so much today,' she said. After enjoying the spread of food, the community took part in an auction hosted by Harvey shire councillor and auctioneer Tiny Holly. Library special projects manager Ruth Campbell-Hicks said there was more than $2000 worth of items on action all of which had been donated from local business and community members. 'I've got a great big, long list of people, which I won't go through, but suffice it to say, just about every business in town has given us something which is really amazing,' she said.
