- Elle MacPherson reveals 2017 breast cancer diagnosis
- She chose alternative therapies over conventional treatment
- Now in remission, MacPherson shares her story in new book
Supermodel Elle MacPherson has disclosed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago. In an interview with Australian Woman’s Weekly, MacPherson, renowned for her moniker “The Body,” revealed that her diagnosis came after a lumpectomy in 2017 to remove a growth.
MacPherson chose to pursue holistic therapies rather than conventional medical treatments. Cancer Research UK highlights that “there is no scientific or medical evidence” supporting the efficacy of alternative therapies in treating or curing cancer, and some may even be harmful.
The 60-year-old model stated that she is currently in “clinical remission” and described her state as one of “utter wellness.” This disclosure is also detailed in a chapter of her new book, Elle: Life, Lessons and How to Trust Yourself, under the section “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.”
MacPherson shared that her doctor had recommended a comprehensive treatment plan, including a mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and breast reconstruction. “It was a shock, it was unexpected, it was confusing, it was daunting in so many ways,” she told the magazine. “And it really gave me an opportunity to dig deep in my inner sense to find a solution that worked for me.”
After consulting with “32 doctors and experts,” MacPherson decided against chemotherapy and opted for what she described as an “intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach.” “I came to the understanding that there was no sure thing and absolutely no guarantees. There was no ‘right’ way, just the right way for me,” she said in her book.
MacPherson’s choice was met with mixed reactions from her family. One of her teenage sons supported her decision to forgo chemotherapy, while the other, described as more conventional, was uncomfortable with her choice. Her former partner, Arki Busson, also found the decision “extreme” but remained supportive.
The model, who founded the beauty and wellness firm WelleCo, spent eight months in Phoenix, Arizona, under the care of a diverse team including her primary doctor, a naturopath, an holistic dentist, an osteopath, and a chiropractor. Details regarding the qualifications of these practitioners are not specified.
Research indicates that reliance on alternative treatments can be linked to reduced survival rates. MacPherson had previously discovered a benign cyst in her breast in 2014.
Cancer charity Macmillan advises that those considering alternative therapies should consult their cancer doctor. Complementary therapies may support patients alongside conventional treatments but using alternative therapies instead of medical treatments is generally not recommended.
Jane Murphy, a clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Now, responded to MacPherson’s diagnosis by emphasizing that treatment recommendations are tailored to each individual’s situation and based on robust clinical evidence.
