Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial ‘holistic’ breast cancer treatment claims

Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims

As I delve into the fascinating life of Elle Macpherson, I am struck by her resilience and determination to prioritize health and wellness. Her journey, marked by personal challenges such as cancer scares and relationship turmoils, has only served to strengthen her resolve.


Elle Macpherson opted against wearing makeup while getting ready for her departure from Australia, which was scheduled on a Tuesday at Sydney Airport aboard an international flight.

In the past few days, the renowned model, who is 60 years old and hails from her homeland, has been keeping herself occupied by traveling and publicizing her autobiography, titled after her own name.

In her latest publication, she disclosed a previously undisclosed fact – that she fought breast cancer seven years prior. However, she stirred up debate by openly stating that she declined chemotherapy treatment.

As a steadfast advocate for my health, I chose to disregard the counsel of thirty-two physicians who suggested chemotherapy following my lumpectomy procedure for HER2 positive, oestrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma – a formidable type of breast cancer. Instead, I trusted in my own intuition and decided on an alternative treatment path.

After her candid interview, the actress, currently in remission, faced strong criticism and was labeled as “surprisingly reckless” by both medical professionals and supporters.

Despite facing recent criticism, Elle maintained a cheerful demeanor and offered a smile upon her arrival for her flight on Tuesday.

She had an air of being prepared for travel, presenting a relaxed image in a gray T-shirt and white denims. She accessorized the outfit with a warm, collarless cream coat.

She added a bit of height with some green boots, and carried her necessities in a cross-body bag slung over her shoulder.

Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims

Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims
Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims

She showed off her fresh-face and sported a pair of large tinted aviator shades.

To finish off her fashionable look, the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model pulled her golden hair under a beige baseball hat.

Following the disclosure of her breast cancer struggle in her memoir, Elle spoke about her diagnosis with Tracy Grimshaw on 60 Minutes during their interview on Sunday night.

She confessed that she felt stunned upon receiving the diagnosis, yet decided against the recommended treatment, preferring an alternative, “whole-body” or “natural healing” method instead.

Well, you might guess how startling it was. Most likely, many women, upon receiving their diagnosis, wouldn’t expect it to affect them personally.

Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims

In my personal journey, I underwent a lumpectomy – a surgical procedure where cancerous tissue was removed from my breast while preserving as much normal tissue as possible. However, the pathology report revealed that the cancer’s edges were not distinctly defined, suggesting it might have spread beyond the initial site.

Instead of following the suggested treatments like mastectomy, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone replacement, she chose an alternative approach called holistic treatment, which she underwent in Phoenix, Arizona.

She appeared calm while discussing it, but in truth, it was a moment of significant tension – I guess you could say it was a breath-taking experience, to put it mildly. That’s what she conveyed.

As a devoted admirer, allow me to share my thoughts: It wasn’t necessarily about logic. Instead, I was guided by an intuition, a gut feeling that there was another path to tread. And so, I chose to embark on it.

She mentioned that she’s consistently chosen ‘homeopathic remedies’, and described this decision as being much like the ‘unusual path’ she’s taken throughout her life.

In the face of a heart-wrenching ultimatum – either forfeit my precious womanhood or risk my life – I chose survival. To clarify, this wasn’t about vanity; it was a matter of life and death. The path I took in my treatment was not a cosmetic decision, but a deeply personal and natural one.

Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims
Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims
Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims
Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims

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

The well-known style influencer expressed that although Western medicine has its moments, she personally chose to embrace a more organic way of life as it suits her best.

However, Elle emphasized that she continues to undergo routine medical examinations, such as scans and blood tests, and feels reassured that the cancer will not come back.

Based on what an anonymous Australian oncologist mentioned in the 60 Minutes report, due to Elle’s decision, there’s a 20% statistical likelihood that she could experience a recurrence within the next ten years. At this moment, however, Elle is in remission after having been cancer-free for seven years.

She disregarded the recommendations of thirty-two physicians when making her choice, an action that has resulted in significant controversy following her public discussion on the matter.

One doctor slammed 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, previously a Consultant Oncoplastic Surgeon at Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust, pointed out the potential risks associated with alternative cancer treatments during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine. She suggested that Elle might not have fully grasped the ‘chain reaction’ or ‘domino effect’ of her comments.

She expressed: “It’s quite challenging for me to comprehend, as we don’t have solid proof that non-traditional holistic methods can effectively treat cancer. It becomes particularly difficult when someone prominent makes the decision to opt for such treatments.

My concern lies in the possibility that individuals might perceive her decision as a preference for non-mainstream treatments, such as alternatives to chemotherapy. The issue arises when women opt solely for these alternatives instead of mainstream treatments, as they are statistically six times more likely to pass away.

Typical cancer treatment revolves around surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Cancer Research UK mentions that certain patients opt for additional therapeutic methods to enhance their well-being, alleviate treatment side effects, and boost their overall life quality.

Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims

Among the most frequently used methods are aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal remedies, massage therapy, guided imagery, and yoga, as mentioned.

Simultaneously, some individuals opt for alternative treatments such as consuming shark cartilage supplements and the Gerson therapy, which consists of adhering to an organic vegetarian diet and performing up to five coffee enemas daily, rather than conventional medical therapies.

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

Some might even be unsafe, trigger harmful side effects or interact with medical treatment, according to Cancer Research.

She opted against traditional medical remedies and instead pursued a period of eight months under the care of various alternative practitioners. This included her primary physician who specializes in naturopathy, a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor, as well as two therapists. Her approach was centered around holistic treatments.

She said she meditated on a beach in Miami and concluded she didn’t want to treat her cancer with pharmaceuticals because it was too ‘extreme’, opting for ‘an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach’.

She acknowledged that others considered her as being unconventional, yet she persisted with a treatment approach that felt authentic to her, tackling both the emotional and physical aspects connected to breast cancer.

She’s currently experiencing ‘clinical remission’, a term she prefers to call ‘complete health’, however, her sons Flynn, aged 26, and Cy, aged 21, have shown varying responses to her unique perspective on her cancer diagnosis.

Her youngest son wholeheartedly backed his well-known mom, as he felt chemotherapy amounted to a fatal blow, yet her oldest son harbored some doubts.

Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims
Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims

Elle shared with Women’s Weekly that although Flynn found her decision unsettling due to his traditional nature, he remains my son who stands by me unconditionally, offering support and love through every challenge, even when he might not fully agree with my choices.

She mentioned that her former partner Arki Busson, whom she parted ways with in 2005 following the birth of their two sons, didn’t align with her approach but penned a note expressing his admiration for the bravery she displayed.

In February 2017, Elle chose a more comprehensive approach for her treatment. At that time, she was wedded to Jeffrey Soffer, but their marriage ended four years later, in June of the same year.

She subsequently started dating Andrew Wakefield, a discredited physician and anti-vaccination advocate, whom she encountered at the ‘Doctors Making a Difference’ event held in Florida during November 2017.

It’s thought that Elle parted ways with Andrew, who became an outcast due to his controversial claims about the connection between the MMR vaccine and autism (claims since debunked), in the year 2020.

In 2010, Andrew, who hails from Berkshire, was removed from the medical registry due to revelations that his work, claiming a connection between MMR vaccinations and autism, was found to be a sophisticated hoax.

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

In 2013, on her 49th birthday, she had a shocking experience when she discovered a lump in her breast, which turned out to be a cancer scare.

Initially considered harmless, it led her to reassess her perspective on health and wellness, eventually choosing a more comprehensive, holistic approach instead.

Elle shared with the Mail On Sunday that she had been worried she might have cancer: “Being on set for Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model left me unable to visit my doctor. This added to my anxiety as I became increasingly concerned.

Four weeks passed before my biopsy results arrived, making it an anxious and lengthy span without any certainty.

It turned out fortunate for me – it was a fibroadenoma, which is harmless, yet served as a significant reminder. After reflecting deeply, I concluded that perhaps I had been choosing the incorrect vitamins and minerals, my diet wasn’t optimal, and I was under excessive stress.

She disclosed that her typical sleep schedule consisted of only three to four hours per night, and she frequently traveled between cities like London, Australia, New York, and Los Angeles for work-related duties.

She is recognized for her commitment to wellness and shared her day-to-day routine in 2022, describing that she frequently practices meditation, immerses herself in cold water, attends infrared sauna sessions, and conducts tea ceremonies regularly.

Her daily regimen encompasses yoga under the sun, taking vitamins, a brief exercise routine, ‘deep breathing exercises and sound therapy’, along with an afternoon cup of tea to maintain her vitality.

Elle Macpherson goes make-up free as she keeps it casual while jetting out of Australia after controversial 'holistic' breast cancer treatment claims

She, too, practices daily meditation in the mornings for 25 minutes and breathing exercises to maintain her mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

She mentioned that she doesn’t follow a strict routine for exercising, instead choosing to be flexible and adapt based on the moment. She strongly endorses frequent visits to her infrared sauna and taking a cold dip for rejuvenation purposes.

Elle is quite enthusiastic about energy healing and regularly schedules sessions for acupuncture, chiropractic care, breath work, sound therapy, as well as the traditional Russian practice known as Banyas, which involves bathing in steam produced by a wood stove burning dried branches called veniks.

She follows a diet consisting only of plants, enjoys cooking homemade meals prepared with care, and purchases produce that is locally grown, fresh, and organic, directly from her community’s farmer’s market.

The Macmillan Support Line is available for individuals battling cancer and their family members, providing private assistance. United Kingdom residents 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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2024-09-10 09:14

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