Elle Macpherson defends 'dangerous' cancer chapter in new book: 'I had a feeling'

Elle Macpherson has faced severe scrutiny over the last week after she recently revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and chose to go down the path of 'holistic' treatment as opposed to traditional medicine. The model, now in remission, shared the admission in her new book, Elle, and social media users have been left fuming, with many calling the message "irresponsible".

In her book, Elle reveals her doctor confirmed the diagnosis after a lumpectomy and suggested she have a mastectomy with radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and a breast reconstruction. She spent a few weeks considering her options, ultimately choosing to embrace a holistic approach. After getting advice from 32 doctors and experts, she chose to pray and meditate on a beach and made the decision not to undergo chemotherapy.

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The model decided on "an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach" to treating her cancer, with many users on social media slamming her for suggesting she 'cured' her cancer without traditional medicine.

'Pleased that it has sparked conversation'

Elle appeared on Today on Monday morning, sharing that the response to her comments in the last week has been "interesting".

"I would say I'm really pleased that it has sparked conversation and discussion because with discussion comes awareness and growth," she told hosts Karl Stefanovic and Amelia Adams.

"I sought a lot of medical advice and the bottom line was that every doctor had a different opinion on how to treat my specific case of breast cancer and there was no clear path, and there was no guarantees either way," she told the hosts. "I just made a decision based on all the information that I gathered and what felt right for me."

She added, "It's important to mention, that I'm not giving advice to other people, I'm sharing my experience. And the chapter itself isn't really about cancer, it's about how to make a decision when you're gripped with fear and adversity."

Elle Macpherson slammed over 60 Minutes appearance

Elle also appeared on 60 Minutes on Sunday night where she spoke to Tracy Grimshaw about her experience, revealing it was a "shock" to discover she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

"As you can imagine, it was a bit of a shock. I think any woman, most women, when they're diagnosed, don't think it will happen to them," Elle said.

She then underwent a lumpectomy and was told the cancer had no clear margins, which means it could have spread. Speaking about the treatment options she was offered, Elle added, "I sit here cool as a cucumber talking about it but the reality is, you know, it was a very big deep breath moment - let's put it that way."

"You know, it's not logical. It was just an inner sense. I had a feeling that there was a different way to approach this and I followed it."

Elle said that he has always followed "natural medicine" and her choice is "unconventional" like the "rest of [her] life".

"It was a choice of losing my breasts, or losing my life, that I was given. So it was not a vanity choice, let me put it that way. It was a natural route in my treatment from within," she said. "I had been really looking at the body in a holistic way - spiritual and physical well-being."

'Dangerous'

Overwhelmingly, the reaction was that Elle's message was a 'dangerous' one, with one X user writing, "It’s a dangerous message Elle Macpherson is peddling, though I applaud Tracy Grinshaw’s push back and countering the 'wellness' dribble."

"I know of two people who opted out of chemotherapy after a breast cancer diagnosis," another said. "One of them is dead. The other is Elle Macpherson."

"You may not trust these medicines [but] there is no way, no way you will beat this without it," one Instagram user said. "You can treat the symptoms with your way but not the cancer itself. Very worried for her."

"Glad she has the choice and has survived, I just know that if it wasn’t for science and medicine throughout our lives there’s many of us that wouldn’t be here today," another said.

"What she says is so dangerous to so many women," a third added.

Others didn't think it was right to 'judge' Elle for her comments, "Everyone’s situation and circumstances are different and not for others to judge."

"Your body, your choice!" another said.

Experts hit back at Elle's claims: 'Quite catastrophic'

Breast cancer surgeon Cindy Mak told 7News she has had patients decline treatment with "quite catastrophic" consequences, adding that while Elle has been in remission for seven years, she's not in the clear.

"Seven years is a good period of time — but it’s not a long period of time — so I suppose it’s still uncertain and the jury’s out a little on whether something could happen further down the track for her, which I hope it doesn’t."

Cancer researcher Dr David Grimes also shared his thoughts on X, writing, "Incredibly irresponsible from Elle Macpherson: Holistic therapy is NOT valid treatment for breast cancer. So entitled that a multimillionaire with access to best healthcare advises women to ignore medical advice. Ample evidence this bulls**t kills people."

The Cancer Council also writes on its website, "Alternative therapies are often promoted as ‘cancer cures’, but they are unproven and have not been scientifically tested. They may cause harm or suffering to those who use them instead of conventional medical treatments. Cancer Council does not recommend the use of alternative therapies."

'People thought I was crazy'

In her book, Elle writes: "I came to the understanding that there was no sure thing and absolutely no guarantees. There was no 'right' way, just the right way for me.

"I chose an holistic approach. Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But saying no to my own inner sense would have been even harder."

She adds, "Sometimes an authentic choice from the heart makes no sense to others … but it doesn’t have to. People thought I was crazy but I knew I had to make a choice that truly resonated with me. To me, that meant addressing emotional as well as physical factors associated with breast cancer. It was time for deep, inner reflection. And that took courage."

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