Arsenal stars today feature in the launch of a cervical cancer public health campaign, which will be marked at the women’s North London Derby this Sunday.
‘Defend Your Tomorrow’, launched by MSD UK in collaboration with The Eve Appeal, aims to support the NHS’s goal of eliminating the disease by 2040.
Leah Williamson and Beth Mead feature in the campaign, alongside fellow Arsenal stars Katie McCabe, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Manu Zinsberger, which looks to raise awareness of cervical cancer and its possible prevention through existing NHS services such as the NHS cervical screening programme and NHS vaccination programme.
Arsenal Women will use the platform of the North London Derby this weekend to promote the campaign, with a series of matchday messages and activities taking place to encourage supporters to visit their GP or visit DefendYourTomorrow.co.uk for further information.
Arsenal will also deliver education sessions around the disease and its prevention across North London over the next 12 months, supporting NHS England in engaging communities who face the greatest health inequalities, who are the least served and who need the most support.
Speaking ahead of the North London Derby, Arsenal Vice-Captain Leah Williamson said, “This week is about what it means to represent Arsenal and the badge we play for. The North London Derby is always special to us and our community. We want to see our home packed out to create that special energy and buzz that only this game can.
“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.
“We’re asking all our supporters to visit their GP or DefendYourTomorrow.co.uk for further advice about cervical cancer.”
Cervical cancer remains a significant public health challenge, with disparities in access to the NHS vaccination programme and NHS screening programme contributing to potentially preventable cases and deaths. Addressing these inequalities requires collective efforts to improve awareness and education about cervical cancer and its potential prevention.
Ben Lucas, Managing Director, MSD UK & Ireland said, “We are thrilled to launch the ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ campaign aimed at raising awareness of cervical cancer and its prevention. 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.”
