We all know giving up alcohol delivers a range of health benefits.

For Cairns Hospital nurse Rebecca Johnson and her team, cutting out booze could also mean improving the health of those suffering from cancer.

The team - two nurses, a medical oncologist and a physiotherapist - have signed up for fundraiser Dry July in order to raise much-needed funds for cancer equipment in TNQ.

Ms Johnson, the acting Nurse Unit Manager of the Oncology Day Unit, uses the equipment bought through fundraising to treat cancer patients each and every day.

The positive impact the equipment makes on oncology patients’ health is one of the key driving factors behind the nurse's fundraising efforts.

“Our patients are the lucky recipients of the equipment that people fundraise for and we see firsthand the difference some of that equipment makes,” Ms Johnson said.

Although the Cairns Hospital team encounter the harrowing effects of cancer on a daily basis, each nurse has a personal connection to the disease that further drives them to raise more money.

“Everyone in the community is affected by cancer in some way. Yes, not having a drink for a month will be hard, but it’s a very small sacrifice for us to make, compared to what many people going through treatment endure,” Ms Johnson said.

Dry July has raised an impressive $105,000 since 2013. The funds are used to improve the lives of cancer patients at Cairns Hospital.

Donations are used to purchase vital equipment for cancer treatment and to help improve the comfort and lifestyle of those suffering from this debilitating disease.

Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation fundraising and events co-ordinator Lindsay McDonnell highlights the positive impact that Dry July will make to those suffering from cancer in the Tropical North.

“They really are a pro-active and positive team here in Oncology. By giving up alcohol for a month, Rebecca and her team are really going to make a big difference to our local cancer patients,” Ms McDonnell states.

Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will be used to purchase a PhysioTouch Device, which will assist hospital patients with lymphoedema, post-surgical scars and post-radiation fibrosis and pain.

Click here for more information or to make a donation to the Far North Queensland Health Foundation.