60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using ‘holistic’ medicine for breast cancer: ‘Awfully irresponsible’

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

After reading Elle Macpherson‘s inspiring journey towards holistic health and wellness, I found myself deeply moved by her transformative story. At 50, she chose to embrace change, prioritize inner health over external beauty, and embark on a journey that would ultimately reshape her life.


60 Minutes Australia’s interview with Elle Macpherson about her breast cancer experience drew a variety of reactions from viewers on Sunday.

In simpler terms, the Australian guest shared with host Tracy Grimshaw that instead of following the surgical and chemotherapy recommendations given by 32 different medical professionals who advised a mastectomy, she opted for alternative, holistic treatments.

Several commented on Twitter to slam the program for what they called ‘irresponsible reporting’. 

‘It’s a dangerous message Elle Macpherson is peddling, though I applaud Tracy Grinshaw’s push back and countering the ‘wellness’ dribble’ wrote one person on X. 

Another said: ‘All about natural ways…but this feels like an advertisement for something sinister’. 

One more commented:  ‘Well, this is some awfully irresponsible reporting #60Mins Congratulations cancer doesn’t need curing just a vibe’. 

Dissatisfied with the interview at 60 Minutes and Tracy Grimshaw providing a space for Macpherson to share her questionable views

One person commented, “Elle is commonly referred to as ‘The Body,’ not ‘The Brain.’ It’s clear she isn’t very responsible.” (This version maintains the original sentiment but rephrases it in a more natural and less confrontational manner.)

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

Others supported Elle for the difficult decisions she made in the course of her treatment. 

The person stated that those individuals marching down the streets with the slogan ‘my body, my choice’ are essentially ignoring or disregarding Elle’s actions, as she made a similar choice herself.

It seems some people have an unusual dislike towards Elle Macpherson. Different individuals may respond differently to cancer treatments, as doctors often emphasize. Elle chose a holistic approach and achieved great results, so why should she be criticized for her choice?

 Another agreed: ‘Her life. Her choice. She should not have to explain herself’.

The 60-year-old informed Grimshaw that she felt ‘stunned’ upon receiving the diagnosis, but opted against undergoing the recommended mastectomy and chemotherapy as advised by her medical professionals.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'
60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'
60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'
60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'
60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'
60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'
60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'
60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'
60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

She expressed that it came as quite a surprise, as one might expect. She further stated that many, if not most women, upon receiving a diagnosis, may not initially believe it could happen to them.

She had a lumpectomy and discovered the cancer did not have distinct borders, suggesting it may have metastasized.

She said she was told to have a ‘mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation and hormone replacement’.

She calmly discussed it, giving the impression of composure, but in truth, it was a significant, tense instant – to phrase it differently, she called it a “deep breath moment.

You might have realized, it didn’t make rational sense, but I relied on an intuition instead. I sensed that there could be another method for handling this situation, so I decided to take that path.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

The model’s doctors initially predicted that there was a 20% chance of her cancer returning within a decade, yet here we are, seven years later, and she remains cancer-free, or in remission.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I’ve consistently chosen the path of ‘natural medicine’, a decision that might appear unconventional to some, mirroring the unique trajectory my life has taken.

She explained, “I had to choose between sacrificing my breasts or risking my life. To clarify, this wasn’t a decision driven by vanity; rather, it was an essential part of my medical treatment.

‘I had been really looking at the body in a holistic way – spiritual and physical well-being’. 

She ignored the recommendations of thirty-two physicians by choosing not to undergo chemotherapy following a lumpectomy, as she was diagnosed with HER2 positive, estrogen-receptor sensitive intraductal carcinoma and opted against it instead.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

For eight months, she engaged in rigorous therapy guided by physicians in Phoenix, Arizona, opting for a comprehensive treatment approach.

The supermodel expresses that Western medicine has its moments and appropriate uses, but personally, she has chosen to embrace a more organic way of life as it suits her best.

She shared, “I consulted with numerous specialists, about thirty-two in total. Making this choice wasn’t simple, but I believed it was the appropriate one for my situation.

‘And I have come to the understanding that there are no right or wrong decisions or choices in how people choose to heal. 

‘This was the decision that not only felt right for me but also worked for me.’

She shared that she undergoes routine medical examinations which involve scans and blood tests.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

She also said she is confident that the cancer will not recur. 

She mentioned that she doesn’t expect the cancer to return, as she has no signs or indications suggesting otherwise. In other words, she sees a very low probability of the cancer returning.

‘The body has the infinite capacity to heal and I am in utter wellness… Fear is something that can really make you ill. So I’m not interested in that.

‘I think it’s a wise way to live life, to focus on well-being.’

She pondered over whether she considered herself as having “overcome” her cancer, to which she responded, “The term ‘cure’ is quite intriguing.

“Yes, I successfully overcame breast cancer. I was fortunate to have an exceptional support system during my journey, so now, medically speaking, I am in remission – a term often used by doctors.

The actress has faced severe criticism and has been labeled as “remarkably negligent” by medical professionals and supporters.

She’s been keeping herself occupied by marketing her freshly published memoir, entitled “Elle: Life, Insights, and Mastering Self-Reliance.” This book hit Australian shelves on September 3, with its U.S. release scheduled for November 19.

For the first time ever, Elle openly shared her seven-year-old struggle with breast cancer in a frank disclosure.

She explained that she underwent a lumpectomy, which is a procedure where they remove cancerous growth from the breast while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. However, later on, doctors suggested she might need a mastectomy, followed by radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

Instead, Elle opted for a different approach from conventional medicine, expressing it as an “enlightening experience of staying authentic, relying on my instincts, and having faith in my body’s natural process and the path I had selected.

As I sat down with Women’s Weekly to discuss my recent diagnosis, I couldn’t help but reflect on the whirlwind of emotions I experienced. It was a jolt, an unexpected twist, a puzzle that left me bewildered, and a challenge that seemed overwhelming in so many aspects. Yet, amidst the chaos, it provided me with a unique opportunity to delve deep within myself, tapping into my inner wisdom to discover a path that resonated with me.

At the time, she was wedded to Jeffery Soffer, but they divorced four months later. She then reflected deeply on a Miami beach and decided that instead of conventional pharmaceutical treatments, she would opt for a more intuitive, emotionally guided, and holistic approach to combat her cancer.

She shared that refusing conventional medical treatments was the most challenging decision she had ever made. Opting against her own intuition might have been an even greater struggle for her. Later on, she expressed that chemotherapy and surgery seemed overly aggressive to her.

The fashion icon said ‘people thought I was crazy’ but she forged ahead with a treatment plan that ‘resonated’ with her, ‘addressing emotional as well as physical factors associated with breast cancer’. 

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

She spent eight months in a rental home in Phoenix, Arizona, where she was comprehensively managed (treated) for cancer by her main physician, who specialized in naturopathic medicine. This team of professionals included a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor, and two therapists. They all worked together to provide her with a comprehensive and natural approach to treatment.

When spending time at home by herself, Elle indicated that she dedicated all her minutes to self-healing and concentrating on the process.

She’s currently experiencing ‘clinical remission’, a term she prefers to label as ‘complete health’, yet her sons, Flynn (age 26) and Cy (age 21), have differing opinions regarding her unique perspective on her cancer diagnosis.

As a devoted supporter, I wholeheartedly stood by my renowned mother during her battle with illness. While my younger sibling held the conviction that chemotherapy was essentially a fatal blow, I chose to remain steadfast in my belief and support. My elder sibling, however, harbored some doubts about this treatment option.

Elle expressed that Flynn, who tends to be traditional, felt uneasy about my decision entirely. However, he’s my son, so despite his discomfort, he would stand by me and continue to love me unconditionally, regardless of whether he approved or not.

She also mentioned that her former partner Arki Busson, whom she separated from in 2005 following the birth of their two sons, disagreed with her approaches but penned a letter expressing his pride in the bravery she displayed.

Her comments have proved to be divisive, with one doctor slamming Elle for promoting ‘holistic’ treatment while many celebrities have also weighed in on the debate, including MAFS expert Mel Schilling, who is battling colon cancer.

Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a previous Oncoplastic Surgeon at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, recently talked about the potential risks of alternative cancer treatments on ITV’s Lorraine. She suggested that Elle might not have fully grasped the ‘consequences’ or ‘impact’ her comments could have.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

She expressed: “It’s quite challenging for me to comprehend, as we don’t have solid proof that unconventional holistic methods can effectively treat cancer. It becomes particularly difficult when someone of high stature makes the decision to pursue such treatments.

As a lifestyle guide, I express my concern about a concerning trend: individuals might perceive another person’s decision and forgo conventional treatments such as chemotherapy. The issue arises when women opt solely for alternative therapies instead of mainstream treatment options. Regrettably, statistics show that women who make this choice are approximately six times more likely to lose their lives.

Typical cancer treatment revolves around surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

According to Cancer Research UK, certain individuals opt for additional therapeutic methods alongside their standard treatment regimens, aiming to alleviate symptoms, reduce adverse effects, and boost overall well-being.

Some of the most popular practices often included in complementary or alternative medicine are aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage therapy, guided visualization, and yoga.

In some cases, individuals opt for alternate methods such as consuming shark cartilage supplements or the Gerson therapy, which consists of adhering to an organic vegetarian diet and potentially having up to five coffee enemas daily instead of conventional medical treatments.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

There is no scientific or medical evidence that these therapies can cure cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, some supplements could potentially pose risks, lead to adverse reactions, or interfere with ongoing medical care.

Back in February 2017, when my beloved Elle opted for a more comprehensive, holistic healing journey, she was wedded to Jeffrey. Regrettably, our paths diverged after four enchanting years together, parting ways in June of the same year.

In the following narrative, I recount my experience of forging a relationship with Dr. Andrew Wakefield, a once-respected physician tainted by controversy and known for his skepticism towards vaccinations. Our paths crossed at the ‘Doctors Who Rock’ awards ceremony in Florida, where we made our acquaintance in November 2017.

It’s thought that Elle parted ways with Andrew, who became an outcast due to his debunked studies suggesting a connection between the MMR vaccination and autism, in the year 2020.

During the Covid-19 crisis, she openly supported her partner by declaring that this period was an opportune moment, from a divine perspective, to advance their anti-vaccination advocacy efforts.

According to video clips obtained by the Mail, he publicly referred to her as his girlfriend before a U.S. showing of his latest installment of anti-vaccine content.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

Speaking with him on a stage in North Carolina, she expressed: “This movie was produced amidst the pandemic. It’s intriguing because when you see the film, it feels like divine synchronization, as its themes resonate deeply and are incredibly current…

Additionally, we find ourselves in a significant period, where discussions about vaccinations and compulsory vaccinations are prevalent everywhere.

For the very first time, the entrepreneur openly recognized their romantic involvement in a public setting and voiced their support for their partner’s activist causes.

In 2010, Andrew, a native of Berkshire, was removed from the medical registry due to revelations that his research claiming a connection between the MMR vaccinations and autism was uncovered as a elaborate hoax.

His false claims led to a downturn in vaccination among children and renewed measles outbreaks.

In 2013, on her 49th birthday, she encountered a worrying incident involving breast cancer.

Although it was harmless, it led her to reassess her methods regarding health and well-being.

Elle confided in the Mail On Sunday, expressing her fear, “I initially believed I might have cancer.” She added, “During that time, I was off location filming Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model. This made it impossible for me to consult my doctor, and I found myself in a state of great worry.

Four weeks passed without receiving the biopsy results, making it a prolonged and anxious time filled with uncertainty.

It turned out to be a fortunate occurrence as it was just a fibroadenoma, which served as a significant reminder. Upon reflection, I suspected that perhaps I had been incorrectly supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals, neglecting my diet, and experiencing excessive stress.

She shared that she typically got by on three to four hours of sleep each night and was frequently traveling between cities like London, Australia, New York, and Los Angeles for her job.

She shared: “I used to tuck the boys in between 9 and 10 PM, then work till 2 AM since it was the only peaceful time. After that, I’d wake up at 6 AM. This routine continued for many years. I believed…

As a diligent devotee, my mornings would always begin with a bracing shot of espresso, igniting my productivity from the get-go.

Despite maintaining my usual diet and exercise routine, an unusual sensation of bodily numbness and unresponsiveness took over me. I encountered digestive issues that were out of balance, felt constantly exhausted, lethargic, and experienced discomfort in my joints.

Elle’s symptoms appeared to align with those of perimenopause, causing her to reassess her perspective on her overall health.

As I neared the age of 50, it appeared natural for my body to adjust to the upcoming stage of maturity.

‘I chose to take care of my body naturally, rather than relying solely on external products like facial creams. And as for cosmetic surgeries, I don’t feel inclined to pursue that route right now.’

I sought guidance from nutritionist Dr. Simone Laubscher on London’s Harley Street, and she suggested I abandon my intake of synthetic supplements in favor of adopting an alkaline diet instead.

60 Minutes slammed for Elle Macpherson interview where she describes using 'holistic' medicine for breast cancer: 'Awfully irresponsible'

‘She said, ‘What you are describing is a very acidic body’,’ Elle recalled.

‘Disease thrives in an acidic body, and I didn’t realise that stress, worry, jet lag, not getting enough sleep and eating too much red meat, dairy or not enough greens can make your body acidic.’

She admitted that over time she slept more, woke feeling hydrated, consumed less red meat, and increased her intake of fruits and vegetables. In just a few weeks, she felt like an entirely new individual.

I hadn’t anticipated just how significantly altering these minor aspects of my daily schedule would improve both my physical appearance and overall well-being.

It’s widely accepted among professionals that adopting a healthy lifestyle can be crucial, not just for preventing cancer but also for supporting your body through cancer treatment.

Evidence shows it can help manage the stress and fatigue caused by the disease and treatment.

Research has shown that individuals engaging in physical activity alongside their treatment not only manage side effects more effectively, but they might also extend their lifespan.

According to global recommendations, it’s advisable for patients to remain physically active and resume their regular routines as quickly as they can manage.

As a wellness connoisseur, I’ve made it my mission to prioritize self-care daily practices that invigorate the body and mind. In 2022, I shared my personal routine, emphasizing the importance of regular meditation, cold water immersions, infrared sauna sessions, and tea ceremonies.

Her daily regimen encompasses doing yoga under the sunlight, taking dietary supplements, a quick four-minute exercise routine, along with ‘practicing breath control and sound therapy’, and sipping a cup of tea to maintain her energy levels during the afternoon hours.

She, too, practices daily meditation every morning for a quarter-hour, as well as breathing exercises to maintain her mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing.

She mentioned that she doesn’t follow a strict routine for exercising, instead opting for flexibility and adapting to the moment. She strongly advocates for consistent use of an infrared sauna and taking a cold dip, which she believes helps her recharge.

Elle is strongly convinced about the benefits of energy healing and regularly schedules sessions for acupuncture, chiropractic care, breath work, sound healing, as well as Russian Banyas – an old practice that involves bathing in steam produced by a wood stove burning dry tree or herb branches known as veniks.

She follows a diet consisting only of plants, prefers homemade dishes prepared with care, and purchases all her food items directly from local farmers at the farmer’s market, ensuring they are fresh and organically grown.

The Macmillan Support Line provides private assistance for individuals battling cancer and their family members. Residents within the United Kingdom can reach out to them by dialing 0808 808 00 00.

Readers in Australia can contact Cancer Council by calling 13 11 20

American Cancer Society can be contacted by calling 1-800-227-2345 

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2024-09-08 17:08

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