Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a ‘holistic approach’ after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: ‘She’s so irresponsible!’

Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a 'holistic approach' after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: 'She's so irresponsible!'

As a healthcare professional with decades of experience under my belt, I find it deeply concerning to witness such misguided advice being disseminated, especially when it comes to something as critical as cancer treatment. Having treated countless patients and lost a few dear ones along the way, I can’t help but feel a heavy heart when I see individuals like Elle opting for unproven methods over conventional treatments that have been scientifically proven to work.


Elle Macpherson faced criticism for being “remarkably careless” following her disclosure that she opted for a compassionate, holistic method to combat breast cancer, despite ignoring the counsel of 32 medical professionals.

7 years ago, the supermodel, now 60, was identified as having a specific form of breast cancer known as HER2-positive, estrogen receptor-sensitive intraductal carcinoma, following a procedure called lumpectomy.

Medical professionals recommended a surgical procedure known as a mastectomy, followed by radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Additionally, they proposed rebuilding her breast after the surgery.

In my professional opinion, I opted for an unorthodox approach in managing breast cancer. Consequently, I assembled a team of experts to devise a comprehensive strategy that not only tackled the physical aspects but also delved into the emotional factors linked to this condition.

For approximately eight months, the model resided in Phoenix, Arizona, frequently welcoming visits from various health professionals. These included two therapists, a chiropractor, an alternative dentist, and a doctor who asserts to have cured her own cervical cancer through juice fasts and detoxification methods.

Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a 'holistic approach' after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: 'She's so irresponsible!'

Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a 'holistic approach' after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: 'She's so irresponsible!'
Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a 'holistic approach' after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: 'She's so irresponsible!'

Among the other practitioners in Elle’s team were Dr Andrew Wakefield, a controversial figure discredited for his anti-vaccination stance, whose medical license was revoked in 2010 due to an unethical and fraudulent study falsely linking the MMR vaccine to autism. Notably, he had a romantic relationship with Elle around the time of her diagnosis in 2017.

Elle is now in clinical remission, meaning she has no signs and symptoms of the disease. 

The mother-of-two admitted her eldest son Flynn, 26, who was 19 at the time of diagnosis ‘wasn’t comfortable with my choice at all’. 

I’ve been utterly captivated by her recent statements. After her interview with Australia’s Women’s Weekly, it seems we, her passionate followers, find ourselves in agreement with Flynn. We’re raising our voices in disapproval, expressing concern over her actions being labeled ‘reckless’. Professionals in the cancer field are echoing this sentiment, warning that she’s propagating ‘dangerous’ therapies. These potentially life-threatening practices could rob women of their lives, a reality we can’t help but fear.

Taking to X, fans wrote: ‘This is shockingly irresponsible from Elle MacPherson. 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. 

“I completely concur with your sentiment. As I am currently undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer, I can’t help but notice the courageous struggles of those in oncology fighting for their lives. Under these circumstances, it seems prudent to me that Elle should be more mindful.”

‘This is a worrying message, I’m not against holistic therapy and whatever gives you your best peace but if they hadn’t got all the cancer removed I’m not so sure about remission. Cancer is unique to each individual unfortunately.’

Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a 'holistic approach' after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: 'She's so irresponsible!'
Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a 'holistic approach' after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: 'She's so irresponsible!'
Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a 'holistic approach' after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: 'She's so irresponsible!'

As an ardent advocate, I passionately believe in the harmonious blend of holistic healing alongside traditional medicine. For almost two decades, my mother has been battling numerous cancers, a journey that underscores the importance of this balance. Yet, she has never shied away from medical treatment, understanding that it is an integral part of her survival. Her resilience, the guidance of her medical professionals, and their shared commitment to life are what keep her vibrant and alive today.

“Given that she continued dating Andrew Wakefield, who lost credibility by claiming unsupportedly that vaccines cause autism, it’s not shocking.”

2021 saw Elle announce her breakup with her partner, Andrew Wakefield (a prominent anti-vaccination advocate from the UK), following a two-year relationship together.

In 2010, the General Medical Council removed Andrew from their rolls due to his unprofessional conduct. They found him to be dishonest, careless, and indifferent towards the suffering and distress of children.

Since the late 1990s, millions of children have not received the MMR vaccine due to unfounded concerns about autism that were initially propagated by a now-discredited medical professional.

During the late 90s and early 2000s, there was a significant decline in administering the MMR vaccine following the release of a study by Wakefield in 1998, which was published in The Lancet.

The research, drawing from the experiences of 12 individuals, suggested a possible connection between receiving the MMR vaccine, autism, and intestinal disorders.

One could rephrase this as follows: ‘The person speaking advocated for Elle, stating that everyone has the freedom to make decisions that are right for them. They were not suggesting that others should follow Elle’s approach. Having chosen a traditional method for dealing with breast cancer myself, I would never judge someone else’s choice. My advice is to research extensively and then exercise your own free will.’

Elle Macpherson, 60, is met with backlash after revealing she treated breast cancer with a 'holistic approach' after shunning the advice of 32 doctors: 'She's so irresponsible!'

Elle said she spoke to the late Olivia Newton John before her passing. 

The actress advocated for a holistic approach to treating the disease. 

However, while Elle opted for alternative therapies, Olivia combined conventional medical treatments with herbal remedies, meditation practices, and modifications in her lifestyle and eating habits.

The actress died aged 73 in August 2022, after a thirty year breast cancer battle. 

In retrospect, Elle mentioned that they had exchanged words a couple of times during her diagnosis and also during the course of their respective healing processes.

‘Although our methods varied, we still had common ground as we shared emotions, feelings, and strategies for approaching tasks together.’

Meanwhile, experts criticized the model for endorsing a ‘risky’ method, expressing concern that other women might mimic her actions, potentially putting their lives at risk.

Liz O’Riordan, a retired breast surgeon and co-author of The Complete Guide To Breast Cancer, shared with TopMob that approximately three out of every four women diagnosed with breast cancer can expect to live for ten years or more if they receive all the recommended treatments.

It’s important to remember that breast cancer has the potential to recur after a decade, two decades, or even three decades have passed. Therefore, when referring to Elle, we’re really only scratching the surface of her journey.

The advice given by mainstream doctors is grounded in extensive data accumulated over many years, from treating countless numbers of patients.

‘We know it works. We know it’s safe. We know what happens if it doesn’t work.

As a devoted follower, I’ve dived headfirst into Elle’s journey with naturopathic holistic dentistry, chiropractic care, and the alkaline diet. However, it seems there’s little to no proof that any of these practices are effective, leaving me curious about their validity.

‘Naturopathic medicine draws upon traditional healing practices and posits that the human body has an innate ability to heal itself when supported by a powerful life force or energy. This guiding energy is believed to direct our bodily functions.’

In simpler terms, ‘Holistic medicine’ implies avoiding root canal surgeries and removing dental fillings, although there’s no scientific evidence suggesting this practice prevents cancer.

‘There is no medical science behind any of it to prove it can work.’

Simultaneously, Professor Karol Sikora, a previous head of the World Health Organization’s cancer program, shared with TopMob his experience: “I’ve encountered numerous patients who attempted this method. However, it’s simply ineffective to battle cancer using such means.”

If her methods were truly effective, they would have been accepted and integrated into standard medical practices long ago, instead of consistently leading to unfavorable outcomes.

‘Complementary medicine is great but only when used alongside conventional care.

There’s a possibility that the cancer may expand within the breast, migrate to the lymph nodes near the armpit, and subsequently travel via the bloodstream to her liver and lungs.

‘That is the normal pattern for breast cancer.’

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2024-09-03 18:41

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