Dry January
January 2025 was an opportunity to celebrate milestones. I’ve been living well with stage 4 lung cancer for over five years now and driving change for lung cancer with our golf event for my local hospital. Thanks to many supporters, we’ve raised $600,000+ over four years. January 1st coincided, too, with another special milestone—my third year alcohol-free.
Launched in January 2023, the Canadian Cancer Society’s ‘Dry January’ campaign introduced the public to the risk of cancer due to alcohol consumption. For my husband and I, it motivated us to quit altogether.
Quitting alcohol after a cancer diagnosis can be a meaningful step toward better health and well-being. While each person’s cancer journey is unique, giving up alcohol offers tangible benefits that support recovery and quality of life. Here’s what I’ve experienced –
Physical Benefits
Eliminating alcohol helps my body recover more effectively, tolerate my treatment well, and lessen side effects. By reducing the potential for liver strain, I believe I have better liver function that supports my body’s ability to process my medications and recover.
Additionally, alcohol weakens the immune system, which is crucial for healing and fighting infections during cancer therapy.
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally taxing, and alcohol seems like a way to cope. I’ve experienced improved sleep and energy levels that support my coping mechanisms. It gives me a sense of control during challenging times.
Supporting Treatment Goals
Doctors often advise against alcohol during cancer treatment because it can interact with medications, reduce the effectiveness of therapies, and intensify side effects like nausea or GI upset. By quitting alcohol, I’m giving my treatments the best chance to work and potentially improve outcomes.
Supporting one’s health and well-being makes sense for me and many others. I hope readers will consider this an invitation to join me on a quest for health and positive outcomes.