Young people with cancer face unique challenges. Still aspiring to realise personal goals and dreams, they face specific issues based on their life stage. Along with other concerns like fertility, having a young family, short and long term side effects of treatment, employment, life insurance, relationships, education and body image, there is the question - “Is it safe to drink?”

Drinking alcohol in Australia is often seen to be a rite of passage for many people in their teens to mid twenties. The social aspects of drinking at age 20 or 30 are very real and part of everyday life for many people. We drink to celebrate, to socialise and to party, to relax, to mourn, to remember and to commiserate. Whilst most people know and appreciate that drinking too much is dangerous, even if you are well and healthy, many admit to having drunk excessively on more than several occasions! However, when you have a blood cancer, or any illness for that matter, it is important to remember the following points:

Whether you are able to drink alcohol during your treatment and recuperation will depend partly on what therapeutic drugs you are receiving. Some drugs interact with alcohol. Procarbazine and lomustine are two examples. Some chemotherapy can make you feel sick, cause taste changes or decrease your appetite. A small amount of alcohol can help boost your appetite. Some people get a sore mouth or ulceration and alcohol can sting or burn and will make any ulcers worse. Excess consumption can also lower your body’s immunity, making recovery more difficult and prolonged.

Generally speaking, the occasional glass of beer or wine is not going to affect you during treatment. The golden rule is to speak with your doctor often about this issue and keep checking throughout treatment. Your doctor will also perform regular blood tests to check your kidney and liver function. The results from these tests will indicate how your body may be affected by alcoholic consumption.

Some young people are used to drinking large amounts prior to diagnosis and find it difficult adjusting to cutting down their consumption. It is essential to discuss this with your doctor or someone you trust eg. Support Coordinator, social worker or welfare officer. There is a lot of help and advice available. Some useful websites are included at the end of this information.

Of most concern, is binge drinking. Binge drinking is drinking heavily over a few hours, or continuously over days or weeks. It may result in acute intoxication and this in turn can sometimes contribute to young people making bad choices or indulging in risky behaviour. These risks may result in sexual, health, social, emotional, personal, nutritional and even criminal consequences. When you are fighting so hard to get well from your cancer, you don’t want more complications or to spend longer in hospital!

Furthermore, young people sometimes partake in risky behaviour which can be influenced by peer pressure and the desire to be ‘normal’ and live life for the moment and to the fullest. Surviving cancer often brings with it new challenges. It takes a strong and resilient person to make the tougher decisions and choose to tread carefully and follow the advice of your health professional. They want to see you healthy and your friends and family do also.

For further resources and assistance, please talk to a Support Services Coordinator at the Leukaemia Foundation by contacting 1800 620 420.

The following websites may also be useful:
www.drugarm.com.au
www.lifeline.org.au
www.cancerhelp.org.uk
www.alcoholicsanonymous.org.au
www.vitaloptions.org

For current information about illegal drugs and the dangers associated with them, please visit Drug Arm’s website www.drugarm.com.au or contact:

DRUG ARM
National Office
GPO Box 590
Brisbane Qld 4001
Phone: 1300 656 800
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