Beyond the Pitch - Defend Your Tomorrow: Arsenal Women and MSD Unite to Raise Cervical Cancer Awareness

In February 2025, Arsenal Women, in collaboration with MSD, released a powerful video featuring several players and community members. The video aimed to raise awareness about cervical cancer while directing viewers to a website with vital information.

Leveraging the rapid growth of women’s sports, particularly women’s football, MSD partnered with Arsenal Women to develop and fund a cervical cancer awareness video. Featuring Arsenal Women’s players and members of the community, the video was created in collaboration with the club and supported by The Eve Appeal— the UK’s leading gynaecological cancer charity. MSD reimbursed The Eve Appeal for services rendered as part of the Defend Your Tomorrow campaign.

The video concluded with England captain Leah Williamson stating the name of the campaign, “Defend Your Tomorrow.”

A link to the campaign’s website was shared in Arsenal Women’s Instagram bio (also included below).

At the heart of the website is its Cervical Cancer section, which provides essential information about the disease. It highlights that anyone with a cervix can develop cervical cancer, with the highest occurrence in individuals aged 30 to 35—though it can affect people of other ages as well. On average, cervical cancer is the 14th most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 3,300 new diagnoses each year.

The website also includes key subsections covering:

Symptoms of cervical cancer
Risk factors for cervical cancer
Can cervical cancer be prevented?
NHS HPV National Vaccination Programme (2 subsections)
NHS National Cervical Screening Programme (2 subsections)
Early intervention
How cervical cancer is treated
Further support

For more details, please visit the links provided at the end of this article.

Ahead of the North London Derby on February 16th, Arsenal’s starting eleven were photographed holding a banner displaying “Defend Your Tomorrow” alongside the campaign’s website link. This powerful image was shared across Arsenal Women’s social media, accompanied by the impactful caption:

“Defence doesn’t end when the game ends. Because nearly all cases of cervical cancer could be prevented. Defence doesn’t end when the game ends.”

The banner was seen by over 56,000 fans inside the stadium and countless more watching the game, making a bold statement in support of MSD’s mission.

Arsenal understand the deeply personal impact of cancer, particularly through the experiences of their own players. Beth Mead tragically lost her mother to ovarian cancer and has been vocal about her journey, dedicating her efforts to fundraising and awareness. Every March, she participates in the “Walk in Her Name” campaign, encouraging supporters to walk 100km in honour of those affected. Similarly, former Arsenal and Scotland defender Jennifer Beattie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020. Although she successfully overcame the disease, Arsenal recognise that many are not as fortunate.

By supporting Defend Your Tomorrow, Arsenal are committed to helping both their players and supporters by spreading awareness and advocating for early detection. As MSD’s website states:

“Arsenal will raise awareness and deliver education around North London to support NHS England’s ambition of eliminating cervical cancer, with the club able to reach and connect with some of the most vulnerable and hardest-to-reach parts of our community.”

Sport has the power to inspire, unite, and create change. By using their platform, Arsenal Women are championing vital conversations, breaking down barriers, and providing safe spaces for those affected by cervical cancer and other health challenges.