Scott Walsberger: New alcohol and cancer risk campaign, Be Unapologetic by ACON
Scott Walsberger, Manager of Cancer Programs at ACON, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“ACON’s Can We has just launched a new alcohol and cancer risk campaign, Be Unapologetic. It aims to raise awareness among LGBTQ+ communities in NSW about alcohol consumption and related cancer risks.
Alcohol consumption increases the risk of 8 types of cancer.
LGBTQ+ individuals in NSW drink more than the general population, with many exceeding the Australian alcohol guidelines.
Awareness that alcohol increases the risk of cancer is low among LGBTQ+ people. Drinking within the guidelines can reduce the risk, but LGBTQ+ who drink more than the guidelines experience barriers to seeking help, such as embarrassment, shame and judgement.
Talking to doctors, mental health professionals, partner(s), friends, and family are common sources of help.
Be Unapologetic celebrates mindful drinking within guidelines, emphasising confidence in healthier habits. It’s our first time collaborating with LGBTQ+ content creators.
We took this approach to create engaging and authentic messaging from a range of real people who each have a different and unapologetic relationship with alcohol.
These creators are:
Benjamin Law (he/him) an Australian author, screenwriter, journalist and community stalwart.
Kirsty Webeck (she/her), a comedian, actor, MC, podcaster and self-described really good friend.
Kelly (Lovemonster) Dezart-Smith (they/them), a queer dance party curator, creative producer, and writer.
Rudy Jean Rigg (they/them), a passionate queer rainbow champion and one-half of the Rainbow History Class podcast.
The campaign targets all LGBTQ+ individuals in NSW, aged 30-59, including diverse backgrounds and identities. It will roll out across digital, out-of-home, and print resources between 25 July – 8 September.
Our goal is not only to inform but also to empower our communities to make healthier decisions. Together, WE CAN support our communities to live their healthiest lives by raising awareness and promoting healthier lifestyles.
The campaign is part of our on-going partnership with Cancer Institute NSW to address inequities in cancer among LGBTQ+ people in NSW.
We also worked closely with National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW to help build the evidence base to inform the campaign development and our creative agency Untold Fable to bring these insights to life in an informative, engaging and culturally appropriate way.”
Tracey O’Brien commented on Scott Walsberger’s post:
“Congratulations Scott Walsberger, Karen Price and the ACON team for this powerful and important alcohol and cancer risk campaign.
Wonderful to partner with you on this work.”
Additional information.
Source: Scott Walsberger/LinkedIn and Tracey O’Brien/LinkedIn
Tracey O’Brien is the NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Australia. Before her current role, Tracey was Director of the Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children’s Hospital, and Director of the Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program.