Battling cancer is tough—both physically and mentally.

While modern medicine is taking strides to cure different types of cancer, one celebrity's unconventional approach towards healing sparked a wave of backlash from both medical professionals and her fans.

Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson recently came under fire for her unconventional approach to treating breast cancer.

The supermodel was diagnosed with HER2-positive oestrogen-receptive intraductal carcinoma after undergoing a lumpectomy seven years ago.

While doctors recommended a comprehensive treatment plan that included a mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and breast reconstruction, Macpherson decided to do things her way.

Elle Macpherson talked about her cancer battle in her latest book, elle. Image Credit: Instagram/Elle Macpherson

The 60-year-old Macpherson revealed that she opted for a 'holistic approach' to her diagnosis, assembling a team of specialists to create a treatment plan that focused on the emotional and physical aspects associated with breast cancer.

Macpherson stayed in a house in Phoenix, Arizona for eight months and was under the care of various therapists, a chiropractor, a holistic dentist, and a doctor who claimed to cure her cervical cancer with 'detox' juice cleanses.

Among her team was the controversial figure Dr Andrew Wakefield, a discredited medical professional known for his fraudulent study linking MMR vaccines to autism.

Macpherson's decision to go through unconventional treatment earned the backlash of fans and medical professionals.

Several critics argued that her influence could lead others to follow her footsteps and endanger their lives in the process.

Comments also called Macpherson's actions' reckless' and 'irresponsible', with many emphasising the importance of conventional medical treatment in battling cancer.

'This is shockingly irresponsible from Elle MacPherson,' one of her fans shared in a social media post.

'She was lucky that clearly the lumpectomy removed all the cancerous cells and it hadn't spread, but implying she "cured" cancer holistically is reckless beyond belief.'

'This is a worrying message. I'm not against holistic therapy and whatever gives you your best peace, but if they have not removed the cancer, I'm not so sure about remission,' another wrote.

As of writing, Elle Macpherson has been in clinical remission and showed no signs of cancer.

However, her eldest son, Flynn, expressed discomfort with her choice of treatment at the time of her diagnosis.

The public's reaction mirrored Flynn's sentiments—while holistic therapies could complement medical treatment, they should not replace it.

Macpherson's approach brought conversations about patient autonomy to light.

While some defended her right to make personal health decisions, retired breast surgeon Liz O'Riordan and World Health Organisation's former cancer programme chief Professor Karol Sikora warned about the dangers of abandoning evidence-based treatments.

O'Riordan and Sikora emphasised that conventional cancer treatments are grounded in extensive research and have proven efficacy.

Alternative treatments like naturopathic medicine and holistic dentistry lack scientific validation and could lead to the progression of specific diseases—cancer included.

'I had several patients that did this. You can't fight cancer this way,' Professor Sikora stated.

'It always ends badly. If all that stuff she's doing worked, it would be integrated into mainstream medicine.'

Elle Macpherson's take on cancer treatment showed us the complexities surrounding healthcare decisions and the influence of celebrities on specific issues.

While it's essential to respect individual choices, it's equally important to understand the risks and benefits of different treatment options.

Key Takeaways

• Elle Macpherson faced backlash for treating her breast cancer with a holistic approach after rejecting several doctors' advice.
• The supermodel underwent a lumpectomy but refused further conventional recommended treatments—opting instead for alternative therapies.
• Critics and medical experts called Macpherson's choice 'irresponsible' and 'reckless', warning it could promote dangerous practices to others.
• While Elle Macpherson is currently in clinical remission, experts emphasised that conventional treatments have proven efficacy and should not be replaced by alternative means.

What do you think of Elle Macpherson's medical approach? Have you or someone you know dealt with diseases through alternative means? Share your stories and opinions with us in the comments section below.

 

[Aunty Rolls]

It is every individuals right to decide for themselves. We live in an age, when everybody likes to tell us what is best for us, but they do not live in our skin, so it is up to us to do our own research, based on our personal knowledge of self. Then make the best choice possible for ourselves

 

[Ebby]

Anyone heard of Tamoxifen tablets that are supposed to shrink breast cancer?














?

 

[Ezzy]

My mother underwent surgery for breast cancer & told the surgeons beforehand, 'if you find cancer, don't wake me & ask what l want to do & then put me under again. Just remove my breast or breasts'. When she woke both breasts had been removed. She underwent a lot of chemo, lost her hair, wore a wig for sometime but came out the other side cured, until approx 15 year later when it returned in her hip. This quickly spread through her body & the inevitable happened.

 

[BellaB18]

My mother underwent surgery for breast cancer & told the surgeons beforehand, 'if you find cancer, don't wake me & ask what l want to do & then put me under again. Just remove my breast or breasts'. When she woke both breasts had been removed. She underwent a lot of chemo, lost her hair, wore a wig for sometime but came out the other side cured, until approx 15 year later when it returned in her hip. This quickly spread through her body & the inevitable happened.

Last year l thought l might have had an issue with breast cancer. Thankfully it was not just problems due to my other body issues. I had come to the conclusion if it was breast cancer. I was in the same mind set as your mother. Remove them and be done with it. I understand a lot of woman are very attached to their breasts as it's a very important part of being a woman. I totally respect that. But for me god forbid if l am ever in that situation l will be saying same as your mother.
I am glad you're mother had another 15 years of life before the cancer returned which sadly seems to happen. Sadly l believe it's all mapped out what will be will be. All we can do is live our best life everyday

Good health to all.
Vicki

 

[Ezzy]

Last year l thought l might have had an issue with breast cancer. Thankfully it was not just problems due to my other body issues. I had come to the conclusion if it was breast cancer. I was in the same mind set as your mother. Remove them and be done with it. I understand a lot of woman are very attached to their breasts as it's a very important part of being a woman. I totally respect that. But for me god forbid if l am ever in that situation l will be saying same as your mother.
I am glad you're mother had another 15 years of life before the cancer returned which sadly seems to happen. Sadly l believe it's all mapped out what will be will be. All we can do is live our best life everyday

Good health to all.
Vicki

Certainly not an easy decision for a lady l'm sure & sadly l have heard stories where a husband has left their wife after this operation because they feel she is not a whole woman any more. At a time when she needs extra support, 'in sickness & in health' doesn't mean anything anymore. I thought at times things were a little strained between my parents but 15 years was a good run but still a shock for her when it returned after being given a clean bill of health.
I, like you, do believe our lives are mapped out for us from the day we are born.