Arsenal backs campaign to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 | OneFootball

Arsenal is using its platform to drive awareness of a major women’s health issue, joining a campaign set to make a lasting impact. Find out what’s happening this weekend.

Arsenal has joined forces with MSD UK and The Eve Appeal to support the launch of ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’, a nationwide campaign aimed at eliminating cervical cancer by 2040.

With the disease affecting 3,300 women in the UK annually, the initiative seeks to raise awareness of prevention methods, including the NHS cervical screening programme and HPV vaccination. The campaign will launch at this weekend’s North London Derby, where Arsenal Women will use their platform to engage fans in one of the biggest health challenges facing women today.

Despite being one of the most preventable cancers, cervical cancer continues to cause around 850 deaths a year in the UK. More than 95% of cases are linked to human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that can be prevented through vaccination and early screening. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set ambitious global targets for 90% of girls to be vaccinated by 15 and 70% of women to receive regular screenings, yet the UK is still falling short of these goals. Data from 2023/24 highlights the disparity in prevention measures, with HPV vaccination rates ranging from 32.9% to 84.3% across London boroughs and cervical screening coverage varying from 61.6% in London to 72.5% in the North East. These gaps leave many women at unnecessary risk of developing and dying from a largely preventable disease.

Arsenal’s involvement will go beyond matchday messaging, as the club has committed to a 12-month education programme across North London, engaging communities most affected by health inequalities. The campaign will work in partnership with Arsenal in the Community, leveraging the club’s local reach and national influence to encourage more women to access life-saving NHS services.

Ahead of the campaign’s launch, 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.”

She added: “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.”

Ben Lucas, Managing Director of MSD UK & Ireland, emphasised the impact of Arsenal Women’s involvement: “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.”

Similarly, Athena Lamnisos, CEO of The Eve Appeal, highlighted the importance of awareness: “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. We hope this campaign will reach the communities who are often left out of the health conversation. We want every person eligible to be able to defend their tomorrow and access all the information they need about HPV vaccination and cervical screening.”

Arsenal’s commitment to the campaign extends beyond this weekend’s fixture, ensuring that awareness efforts continue throughout the year. With cervical cancer prevention now a key NHS priority, ‘Defend Your Tomorrow’ offers a crucial opportunity to close the gaps in screening and vaccination, particularly in underserved communities.