Arsenal Women join campaign to help eliminate cervical cancer

Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Kyra Cooney-Cross are among the players backing the Defend Your Tomorrow campaign Credit: Arsenal FC

Arsenal Women will use the platform of the North London derby this weekend to promote a campaign to eliminate cervical cancer.

‘Defend Your Tomorrow’, launched by MSD UK in collaboration with The Eve Appeal, aims to support the NHS goal of eliminating the disease by 2040.

According to gynae cancer charity, the Eve Appeal, approximately 3,250 people in the UK are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year.

Over 50,000 tickets have been sold for the game at the Emirates Stadium where the campaign video will be played and information given out to match-goers.

Ahead of Sunday's clash with Spurs, Arsenal vice-captain Leah Williamson said: "The North London Derby is always special to us and our community."

She added: "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."

CEO of The Eve Appeal, Athena Lamnisos told ITV News London the campaign is putting cervical cancer at the forefront of people's minds.

"It's so important to just talk about screening, cervical cancer in a normal way and about looking after you health for the future.

"It also makes it really powerful for people to hear from the players themselves about why it's important to them."

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Ben Lucas, managing director, MSD UK & Ireland said: "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.”

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.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer in its early stages may not cause any symptoms which is why cervical screening is so important.

Symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

  • Vaginal bleeding that’s unusual for you – including bleeding during or after sex, between your periods or after the menopause, or having heavier periods than usual

  • Changes to your vaginal discharge including a change to smell

  • Pain during sex

  • Pain in your lower back, between your hip bones (pelvis), or in your lower tummy

Having symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cervical cancer, but it is important to speak to your GP if you have any concerns.

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