I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago. Please stop calling me a fighter.

The author, shown with her family, was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2025.

Courtesy of the author A year after my breast cancer diagnosis, I'm rejecting the "fighter" and "warrior" labels others put on me.

I'm tired of the pinkwashing that feels like it's turning a terrifying disease into a cheerful marketing campaign.

I'm grateful for my care and the people who supported me, but I don't need to find a silver lining or turn my experience into an inspirational story.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer a year ago, and with Breast Cancer Awareness Month underway, I have a confession that feels almost sacrilegious: I hate breast cancer culture .

I hate the "fighter" and "warrior" labels I didn't ask for, and I especially hate the over-the-top pink branding that I see so much.

I didn't ask to join this club.

I didn't want to lose my hair to chemo or have my breasts amputated .

I didn't choose to worry about whether my kids and relatives might also develop this horrible disease.

And I hate pink; I always have.

I'm grateful for my treatment and that I've weathered it all relatively well.

I just feel pissed that this was my lot in life.

As I reach the anniversary of the day my "before" split into the "after," I don't know what I'm supposed to call myself now.

"Fighter" doesn't feel right.