Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial ‘holistic’ cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

As I read Elle Macpherson’s story, I found myself deeply moved and inspired by her journey towards holistic health. At 50, she embraced the natural evolution of her body and took charge of her wellbeing, choosing the path less trodden by eschewing synthetic supplements in favor of an alkaline diet.


Elle Macpherson recently engaged in a spirited discussion with Karl Stefanovic on the Today show, defending her unconventional methods for managing cancer treatment.

In my personal journey, I, as a devoted follower, found myself embroiled in a discussion when the renowned Australian supermodel, now 60, stirred up debate by disclosing in her memoir, Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself, that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After this diagnosis, she opted for a ‘holistic’ approach to treatment, defying the counsel of no less than 32 medical professionals who recommended chemotherapy following a lumpectomy for HER2 positive oestrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma by choosing an alternative path without it.

On Monday’s Channel Nine morning program, Elle seemed annoyed with Karl when she expressed that the media focus on her cancer treatment methods was overshadowing important aspects in her memoir.

Elle clarified to Karl and his temporary co-host, Amelia Adams, that the book doesn’t cover cancer, and the emphasis on it is significantly misaligned or skewed.

‘It’s distorting the rest of the gems that are in the book.’

I understand your situation, it seems you’re right in the midst of a discussion that I believe is shared by numerous women, not only within our community, but also with the traditional medical field,” Karl interjected.

‘As you rightly point out, there is a transition to more holistic … however that combination comes about, you’ve sparked the debate. And I think that’s a really good thing.’

Elle continued to defend her choice of treatment by assuring that the decision wasn’t made lightly.

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

‘Just to be clear, I sought a lot of medical advice,’ she said.

Intriguingly, each physician I consulted offered varying suggestions for managing my unique form of breast cancer, leading to no definitive treatment plan and no assurances about the outcomes.

She went on saying: “After considering everything I found out and what seemed best for me, I’ve reached a conclusion.

During the interview, the Today show hosts delved into Elle’s journey with sobriety and alcoholism, steering the discussion towards a somewhat uncomfortable direction.

Amelia inquired, “When did you come to understand that [alcoholism] was a problem for you?” Following this, she asked about how many drinks the supermodel typically consumed each evening.

‘Everybody wants to know the juicy details! What is it with you guys?’ Elle replied.

Later, Karl tried to ease the tension by expressing that they were simply inquiring based on their personal encounters.

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

‘We just wanna know because we drink!’ he said.

It comes amid Elle’s bombshell cancer claims and the unconventional treatment path she chose, which prompted a wave of backlash from the public and health professionals.

Seven years ago, the individual was diagnosed with breast cancer, a fact she only shared publicly for the first time in her recently published memoir.

In an open chat with 60 Minutes Australia this past Sunday, I found myself sharing my emotional journey battling breast cancer. When I received the devastating news, I was absolutely stunned. However, contrary to what my doctors recommended – a mastectomy and chemotherapy – I made a personal choice not to follow that path.

In a sense that’s understandable, it took me by surprise too. Most women, when faced with such a diagnosis, likely wouldn’t expect it happening to them.

She had a lumpectomy, but the results showed that her cancer didn’t have distinct boundaries, suggesting it might have spread beyond the initial site.

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

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

She mentioned that she’s consistently chosen ‘natural healing methods’, and added that this decision, much like the rest of her life, is considered ‘unorthodox’.

She stated, “I had to decide between forfeiting my breasts or sacrificing my life. To clarify, it wasn’t a decision driven by vanity, but rather a necessary part of my treatment plan.

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

She chose not to follow the recommendations of thirty-two doctors who advised chemotherapy following her lumpectomy for HER2 positive, estrogen receptor-positive intraductal carcinoma, and instead opted for a different treatment approach.

She underwent eight months of intense therapy with doctors in Phoenix, Arizona, taking a holistic route.

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic
Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

Based on what an anonymous Australian oncologist stated in the 60 Minutes report, Elle faces about a one in five likelihood of her cancer returning within the next ten years.

Elle has reached the seven year mark and is still in remission. 

The supermodel expresses that Western medicine has its moment and setting, but she personally prefers a more organic way of living, as it suits her better.

She shared, “I consulted with numerous medical professionals – thirty-two doctors in total. Making this choice wasn’t straightforward, but I firmly believe it’s the best path for me.

In my personal belief, there’s no such thing as correct or incorrect choices when it comes to individuals finding their path to healing. Each person’s journey is unique and guided by their own experiences and wisdom.

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

Elle went on to explain she does get regular medical check ups, including scans and blood tests.

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

She stated that she doesn’t expect the cancer to return, as she has no evidence suggesting otherwise. It seems unlikely to her.

‘My body possesses an incredible ability to heal, and I’m feeling completely healthy… Fear has the potential to cause sickness, so I choose to avoid it.’

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

She’s faced strong criticism, being labeled as “surprisingly negligent” not only by medical professionals but also by her supporters. (Paraphrased)

She’s currently keeping herself occupied by marketing her recently published memoir, entitled “Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself.” This book launched in Australia on September 3, with its US release scheduled for November 19.

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

She explained that she underwent a lumpectomy, which is a surgical procedure to extract breast cancer while preserving as much surrounding tissue as possible. Later, her physicians recommended a mastectomy accompanied by radiation treatment, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

Instead, Elle opted for an unconventional approach to medicine, expressing it as a “fantastic journey of staying authentic, believing in myself, and relying on the natural processes of my body and the path I had selected.

In an interview with Women’s Weekly, she disclosed her feelings about her diagnosis: ‘It took me by surprise, it wasn’t what I anticipated, it left me bewildered, it was intimidating in numerous ways, and it presented me with the chance to delve into my inner self to discover a strategy that suited me best.’

As a lifestyle expert, I find myself reflecting on my personal journey, much like Elle did when she found herself on a tranquil Miami beach. In the midst of a life-changing moment, she made a profound realization – her heart yearned for a unique, intuitive, and holistic approach to tackle cancer, rather than relying solely on conventional pharmaceuticals.

She shared that rejecting conventional medical treatments was the most challenging decision she’s ever faced in her life. However, going against her own intuition might have been an even tougher choice, she elaborated. Later on, she mentioned that she considered chemotherapy and surgery as being overly aggressive options.

The fashion icon expressed that others considered her actions insane, but she persisted with a treatment approach that strongly resonated with her, taking into account both the emotional and physical aspects linked to breast cancer.

She spent eight months living in a rental home in Phoenix, Arizona where she received comprehensive care for her cancer from various alternative medical professionals, including a naturopathic doctor, a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor, and two therapists, all under the supervision of her primary physician.

When left on her own at home, Elle mentioned that she dedicated each moment to self-healing and concentration.

she has achieved ‘clinical remission’ – a term she prefers to call ‘complete health’ – however, her children Flynn, aged 26, and Cy, aged 21, have shown a range of responses to her unconventional interpretation of her cancer prognosis.

Her youngest son wholeheartedly backed his renowned mom, as he felt chemotherapy was essentially a fatal blow. However, her eldest harbored some doubts.

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

Elle explained, “Flynn, who tends to be traditional, found my decision quite unsettling. Despite this, Flynn, being my son, would stand by me through thick and thin and continue to love me regardless of his agreement or disagreement.

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

Her remarks have sparked controversy, as one physician criticized Elle for advocating ‘alternative’ healthcare, with several celebrities joining the discussion, among them Married at First Sight expert Mel Schilling, who is currently fighting colon cancer.

Dr. Liz O’Riordan, a former Consultant Oncoplastic Surgeon at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, addressed the potential risks associated with alternative cancer treatments on ITV’s Lorraine program, hinting that Elle may not have fully grasped the ‘chain reaction’ or ‘cascading impact’ of her comments.

She expressed: “It’s quite challenging for me to grasp the concept, as we don’t have solid proof that alternative holistic methods can effectively treat cancer. It becomes particularly difficult when individuals like her opt for such approaches.

My concern lies in the possibility that individuals might perceive her decision as a means of avoiding conventional therapies, such as chemotherapy. The issue arises when women opt for alternative treatments over mainstream ones, as studies show that such a choice increases their risk of death by approximately six times.

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

Typical cancer treatment revolves around surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

According to Cancer Research UK, certain patients opt for additional healing methods, such as complementary therapies, to enhance their feelings, alleviate treatment side effects, and boost their overall well-being.

Some frequently used methods include aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, visualization, and yoga, according to the statement.

In the meantime, some individuals opt for non-traditional approaches such as consuming shark cartilage supplements or adhering to the Gerson therapy, which involves eating an organic vegetarian diet and regularly undergoing up to five coffee enemas daily, rather than pursuing conventional medical care.

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

According to Cancer Research UK, certain supplements could potentially pose risks, cause adverse reactions, or interfere with ongoing medical treatments.

In February 2017, Elle chose a more holistic approach for her treatment while still married to Jeffrey. However, their marriage ended four years later, in June of the same year.

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

After meeting him at the ‘Doctors Who Shine’ awards event in Florida, which took place in November 2017, she began dating the controversial former physician and anti-vaccination advocate, Andrew Wakefield.

It’s said that she parted ways with Andrew, who became an outcast due to his debunked claims connecting the MMR vaccine and autism in 2020.

She publicly backed her boyfriend during the Covid outbreak, stating that the pandemic was a ‘divine time’ to promote the campaign against vaccinations.

In a video obtained by the Mail, it appears that Andrew publicly referred to her as his girlfriend prior to a U.S. screening of his latest installment of anti-vaccination content.

Talking to him before an audience in North Carolina, she said: ‘You made this film during Covid, and it’s interesting because it’s such beautiful, sacred timing when you watch the film, because it’s so pertinent and so relevant… 

Additionally, it’s now a significant moment when discussions about vaccinations and mandatory vaccinations are prevalent everywhere.

For the very first time, the entrepreneur openly declared their romantic involvement in a public setting and expressed support for their partner’s activist endeavors.

Originally hailing from Berkshire, Andrew found himself removed from the medical registry in 2010 when it was uncovered that his research claiming a connection between the MMR vaccinations and autism was actually a sophisticated deception.

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

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

Although it was harmless, it prompted her to reassess her strategy regarding health and well-being.

According to Elle, she expressed, “I feared I might have cancer,” to the Mail On Sunday. “Since I was off filming Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model, I couldn’t schedule an appointment with my doctor, which caused me great distress.

Four weeks passed before my biopsy results arrived, making it a protracted and anxious time of uncertainty.

It turned out to be a fortunate incident – it was a fibroadenoma, which is benign, but it served as a significant wake-up call for me. Reflecting on things, I came to understand that perhaps I’ve been taking the wrong vitamins and minerals, my diet has been lacking, and I’ve been under too much stress.

She shared that she typically got by with only three to four hours of sleep per night and was frequently traveling from London, Australia, New York, and Los Angeles for her job.

She shared that she would typically put the boys to sleep between 9 and 10 pm, then work until 2 am, as it was the only peaceful time. She’d wake up at 6 am and continued this routine for many years, believing…

Today, I was exceptionally efficient. Each morning, I’d start off by sipping an espresso to energize my day.

Despite maintaining my usual eating and exercise routine, I found myself feeling oddly immobile and lethargic in my body. My digestive system seemed out of whack, leaving me tired and lacking energy. I also felt a persistent fatigue, loss of spirit, 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 fifty, it appeared natural for my body to be transitioning into the subsequent stage of maturity.

Instead of relying solely on external means like face creams, I chose to focus on internal methods for maintaining my body. At this stage in my life, I don’t feel inclined towards cosmetic surgeries.

In my recent pursuit of holistic wellness, I sought the advice of renowned Harley Street nutritionist, Dr. Simone Laubscher. She recommended that I transition away from synthetic supplements and embrace an alkaline-based diet instead.

‘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 the course of a few weeks, she began sleeping more, waking up feeling hydrated, reduced her consumption of red meat, increased her intake of fruits and vegetables, and as a result, she felt like an entirely new individual.

It hadn’t occurred to me just how significantly altering my daily habits, which seemed quite minor, could improve both my feelings and appearance.

Elle Macpherson doubles down on her controversial 'holistic' cancer treatment in heated interview with Karl Stefanovic

It’s widely accepted among professionals that adopting a healthy lifestyle plays a crucial role, not just in preventing cancer, but also in supporting one through cancer treatment.

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

Research additionally reveals that individuals engaging in physical activity during their treatment not only handle adverse effects more effectively, but they might even extend their lifespan.

According to global advice, it’s best for patients to remain physically active and return to their regular routines at the earliest opportunity.

She’s recognized for her commitment to wellness and shared her daily routine in 2022, revealing that she frequently practices meditation, takes regular cold water dips, attends infrared sauna sessions, and conducts tea ceremonies.

Her daily activities encompass practicing yoga outdoors, taking dietary supplements, a quick four-minute exercise regimen, deep breathing exercises and sound therapy, along with an afternoon cup of tea to maintain her vitality.

She, too, practices daily meditation each morning for a quarter hour, and engages in breathing exercises to maintain balance for her mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

She mentioned that she doesn’t stick to a rigid workout routine, instead choosing flexibility, often referred to as “going with the flow.” Additionally, she strongly advocates for regular infrared sauna use and taking a cold plunge, which she believes helps her feel refreshed.

A ‘big believer in energy healing’, Elle also books regular appointments for acupuncture, chiropractic, breath work and sound healing as well as Russian Banyas, an ancient tradition of steam bathing with a wood stove burning dry tree or herb branches called veniks. 

She follows a diet consisting only of plants, tends to prepare homemade meals with care, and purchases all her food items that are freshly produced and organically grown from the local farmer’s market.

As a compassionate lifestyle guide, I’d like to share a valuable resource for anyone navigating the challenging journey of cancer: The Macmillan Support Line. This line provides discreet assistance to individuals battling cancer and their cherished ones. For those residing in the United Kingdom, you can reach out to them by dialing 0808 808 00 00. This number is there to offer you comfort and guidance when you need it most.

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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2024-09-09 05:29

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