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Female cancer survivor sends strong message after running topless during NYC marathon
Lauren Spiezia, a 33-year-old breast cancer survivor from New Jersey, ran the New York City Marathon topless to raise awareness and encourage people facing treatment. She said her mastectomy scars had once made her feel insecure, and she wanted to turn them into a symbol of strength and help others feel less alone.
Diagnosed with stage two breast cancer at 31 after two doctors dismissed her concerns because of her age, Spiezia underwent chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, as well as removal of her fallopian tubes because of a cancer gene mutation. She said severed chest nerves meant running without a sports bra was not painful, and her team raised $50,000 for breast cancer research. Reactions to the run were mixed, while her experience also prompted her to start a skincare brand.
In short
- Lauren Spiezia ran the NYC Marathon topless after breast cancer treatment.
- She said she wanted to promote hope and body positivity.
- Her team raised $50,000 for breast cancer research.
Explained simply
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow abnormally. Treatment can involve medicines and surgery, and some people have a mastectomy, which removes one or both breasts. A cancer gene mutation can raise a person’s risk of certain cancers and may affect decisions about treatment or preventive surgery.
Lauren Spiezia was diagnosed at 31, after doctors initially dismissed her concerns because of her age. Her treatment included chemotherapy, immunotherapy and a double mastectomy, followed by reconstruction. She has said the resulting scars affected how she felt about her body.
Her experience matters to people navigating cancer treatment and recovery, including the physical and emotional effects of surgery. Her public use of her scars to encourage others has also drawn mixed reactions.