A breast cancer survivor has sparked debate after completing the New York City Marathon topless, displaying her mastectomy scars to raise awareness of the disease. While her decision was intended to encourage body acceptance and highlight women's health, it also attracted criticism from social media users.
Lauren Spiezia, a 33-year-old mother from New Jersey, completed the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on 1 November without wearing a top. Her decision followed her breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which included chemotherapy, immunotherapy and a double mastectomy.
Female cancer survivor sends strong message after running topless during NYC marathon https://t.co/RFMEypHXAp pic.twitter.com/1fmlCtsUlY
— New York Post (@nypost) November 4, 2026
Turning Surgical Scars Into Advocacy
Spiezia wanted to challenge the shame and insecurity that can accompany the physical changes caused by breast cancer treatment. So instead of concealing her surgical scars, she decided to display them throughout the 26.2-mile race as a reminder that surviving cancer is something to embrace, not hide.
In her Women's Health essay, she explained that the idea came after she instinctively covered her chest while changing in a locker room following her mastectomy. She wrote: 'Was I ashamed of the scars? Nervous that I looked different?'
Spiezia subsequently promised herself that she would not allow embarrassment to dictate how she presented herself. She described her scars as evidence of the treatment that saved her life. 'They stand for tenacity, resilience, and bravery', she added.
The marathon also gave her an opportunity to encourage women to take their health seriously. She hopes her experience will prompt others to recognise potential symptoms, understand their breast cancer risk and speak up when they feel their medical concerns are not being taken seriously.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
According to News.com.au, Spiezia was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 31. After discovering a lump, she struggled to get the medical attention she needed, with her OB-GYN initially telling her she was too young for a mammogram.
Further examinations eventually revealed two types of breast cancer: stage two triple-negative breast cancer and stage one oestrogen and progesterone receptor-positive breast cancer. She also discovered that she carried a BRCA2 genetic mutation, which increases the risk of developing certain cancers.
Her treatment involved 16 rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She also underwent surgery to remove her fallopian tubes because of her inherited cancer risk.
Topless Marathon Run Sparks Criticism
Despite the positive message behind her decision, Spiezia's appearance prompted mixed reactions online. Some social media users questioned whether running topless was necessary to raise breast cancer awareness, particularly at an event where children and families were among the spectators.
Hope she was arrested for indecent exposure to kids there to cheer on their families.
— J Lay (@L3XR0V3R) November 4, 2026
Whadda dumbc_nt.
One critic challenged her decision, asking: 'What f*cking message? Public nudity is okay when running?' Meanwhile, another suggested: 'Could've just worn pink or sum bro'.
Others expressed stronger disapproval, with one commenter describing the decision as 'dishonourable' and claiming it showed a 'lack of shame'. Another asked a concerning question: 'How many children do you think she exposed herself to?'
Some responses also took a sarcastic approach to the situation. One user mocked the idea of using public exposure to promote a health cause, joking about exposing their body at a marathon finish line to raise awareness of prostate cancer.
Yet, not everyone agreed with the criticism. One supportive commenter pointed out the difference in how society treats men and women who go topless in public. 'I hate that America shames women into not being topless. Nobody cares if a dude does it', the user wrote, defending Spiezia.
