Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty features black breast cancer survivors in new campaign

‘It’s important for you to appreciate the body that you’re in for getting you where you are right now,’ says breast cancer survivor Ericka

(Savage x Fenty)

The latest campaign for Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty brand stars three black breast cancer survivors, all of whom have been diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer.

Every October, people around the world commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raising awareness of the cancer, encouraging donations for vital research and reminding people to check their breasts regularly.

Savage x Fenty, the eponymous lingerie label launched by Rihanna in 2018, has shared the stories of three breast cancer survivors, describing them as “thrivers and survivors”.

The company explains that the three breast cancer survivors – Cayatanita, Ericka and Nykia – have all “faced the unfair disparities within the healthcare system due to their age and race”, and are “empowering others within the underrepresented Black Community” by sharing their stories.

For every Breast Cancer Awareness Month-related product sold on the Savage x Fenty website, a portion of the profits is being donated to non-profit organisation the Clara Lionel Foundation to help support members of the black community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Furthermore, up to $250,000 (£191,736) accumulated from sales of the Savage x Fenty October and November capsule collections from 19 October 2020 will be donated to the organisation.

Cayatanita recently starred in the latest Savage x Fenty fashion show, which was streamed on Amazon Prime.

The 34-year-old, who was diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer in 2018, recalled her decision to begin blogging about her diagnosis, explaining that she has a list of people “who I check in on and they check on me”.

"It’s just nice. You know, they’re my queens… It makes me feel good that they’re doing okay,” Cayatanita said.

“And they make me feel confident and empowered. I wanted to have a good journey and a great support system.”

Ericka was diagnosed with HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancer at 28 years old.

The now 34-year-old said that it’s important to realise that “your body hasn’t done anything wrong”, despite noticing the changes that may be taking place.

“It’s important for you to appreciate the body that you’re in for getting you where you are right now,” Ericka said.

“And that was really moving to me, because it wasn’t about beauty, it wasn’t about ‘Oh, I love myself.’ It was: ‘I appreciate the vessel that has carried me.’ I really give all kudos to Black femmes and Black queer people for holding me down.”

Nykia, 26, was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year, explaining that she didn’t receive her diagnosis until contacting a doctor for a third time, having initially been told “it would go away with antibiotics” after she noticed a lump in her breast.

“If my body is telling me that something is wrong, then I still need to keep pushing. There’s obviously not just one doctor in any area, or in the world, for a reason,” Nykia said.

“Hey, if this doctor didn’t see it, then maybe the next one will. I know I need to continue as long as my body is telling me to.

“Somebody will listen; whether it’s the first person, or the second person, or even the third person—some women have had a fourth or even a fifth opinion before they were diagnosed. Definitely keep going.”