Arsenal Women Partner with ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ to Combat Cervical Cancer

A Shared Vision for a Healthier Future

Arsenal Women are proud to announce their support for the ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ campaign, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at eliminating cervical cancer in the UK by 2040. This ambitious goal is part of a broader effort by the NHS to ensure that cervical cancer becomes a preventable and treatable disease. The campaign, launched by MSD UK in collaboration with The Eve Appeal, seeks to raise awareness about the importance of cervical cancer prevention and the vital role of NHS services in achieving this mission.

At the heart of this campaign is the belief that cervical cancer can be eradicated through education, prevention, and early intervention. Arsenal Women, as a club deeply committed to empowering women and girls, is using its platform to amplify the message and inspire action. The campaign will be highlighted during the upcoming women’s North London derby, where matchday activities will encourage fans to learn more about cervical cancer and take proactive steps to protect their health.

Raising Awareness Through Football

Football has always been more than just a game; it is a powerful tool for bringing people together and sparking meaningful conversations. Arsenal Women are leveraging their influence to promote the ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ campaign, ensuring that the message reaches a wide and diverse audience. On matchday, the club will share important information about cervical cancer prevention, encouraging supporters to visit their GP or the campaign’s website, DefendYourTomorrow.co.uk, for more details.

The campaign is not just about raising awareness; it is about taking action. By highlighting the importance of regular cervical screenings and HPV vaccinations, Arsenal Women are helping to empower individuals with the knowledge they need to protect their health. The club’s involvement is a testament to the impact that sports can have on societal issues, using football as a force for good.

Players Lead the Charge in the Fight Against Cervical Cancer

Several Arsenal players have stepped forward to champion the ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ campaign, sharing their personal stories and highlighting the importance of cervical cancer awareness. Among them is Leah Williamson, Arsenal’s vice-captain, who emphasized the significance of coming together as a community to protect against cervical cancer. "This week is about what it means to represent Arsenal and the badge we play for," Williamson said. "But it’s also our time to come together to protect what is special to us—our health, our friends, our families, and our extended north London community—against cervical cancer. We know that almost all cases may be preventable, and we need to come together to protect our futures."

Other key players, including Katie McCabe, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Manu Zinsberger, and Beth Mead, are also featured in the campaign. For Mead, the cause is particularly close to her heart. Her mother passed away just over two years ago after a long battle with ovarian cancer, and Mead shared that cervical cancer was also a part of her mother’s health journey. "One of the cancers that spread for my mum was cervical as well," Mead explained. "It was not a primary one, but it’s another one that is close to me and something that we want to raise awareness of within women and girls. I think it goes under the radar a little bit, and people sometimes take for granted going for a smear test, as easy as it is once you’ve booked an appointment. We want to be a part of putting that out there. By 2040, they want to make it completely preventable, that’s the NHS’s plan. And we’d obviously like to be a part of that, help promote it, put it out there—and make it hopefully a cancer that we don’t talk about anymore. That’s the plan, and we’re in a good position and have a platform to be able to help promote that and hopefully help a lot more people avoid the horrible cancer that it is."

The Power of Partnership in Tackling Cervical Cancer

The success of the ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ campaign lies in its collaborative approach. MSD UK and The Eve Appeal have joined forces with Arsenal Women to create a movement that goes beyond football, reaching into the hearts and homes of communities across the UK. Ben Lucas, Managing Director of MSD UK & Ireland, highlighted the importance of this partnership: "By harnessing the passion and reach of women’s football, particularly through our engagement with Arsenal Women, we can connect with diverse communities across the UK in meaningful dialogue about this significant health challenge. We hope this campaign will encourage everyone to seek more information about cervical cancer."

Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal, added, "The possibility of eliminating cervical cancer is within our reach. A remarkable achievement and something that will save thousands of lives a year in the UK. We are delighted to stand with MSD and Arsenal to help raise awareness of cervical cancer and what we can all do to help prevent it and treat it at the earliest stage."

The Road to a Cervical Cancer-Free Future

The elimination of cervical cancer by 2040 is an ambitious but achievable goal. The key to success lies in education, prevention, and early intervention. The NHS cervical screening programme and HPV vaccination programme are critical tools in the fight against cervical cancer, offering women and girls the best chance of preventing the disease or catching it early when it is most treatable. However, these programmes can only be effective if people take advantage of them. That’s why campaigns like ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ are so important—they remind us that our health is in our hands and that simple steps can make a big difference.

By working together, we can create a future where cervical cancer is no longer a threat. Arsenal Women, MSD UK, and The Eve Appeal are leading the charge, but they need your support. Whether it’s attending a screening, encouraging a friend or family member to book an appointment, or simply spreading the word, every action counts. Together, we can defend our tomorrow and ensure that cervical cancer becomes a thing of the past.

A Call to Action: Join the Movement

The ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ campaign is more than just a slogan—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that cervical cancer is a preventable disease, and that each of us has the power to take control of our health. Arsenal Women are urging their fans and the wider community to get involved, whether by sharing the campaign’s message, attending a screening, or supporting loved ones in taking proactive steps to protect their health.

As the North London derby approaches, Arsenal Women will use the platform to highlight the importance of cervical cancer awareness. The match will be a moment of unity, not just for football fans but for everyone who cares about creating a healthier, brighter future. By coming together, we can make a difference and ensure that cervical cancer is eliminated for good.

The fight against cervical cancer is a collective effort, and every voice matters. Will you join Arsenal Women and the ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ campaign in the fight to protect our futures? Together, we can make cervical cancer history.