Elle Macpherson reveals she was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago, opted out of chemotherapy

The Australian model and businesswoman is now in clinical remission.

Elle Macpherson revealed publicly for the first time that she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago.

The Australian model and businesswoman, 60, recalled the "shock" she felt after she was diagnosed with HER2 positive estrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer, in a new interview with Women's Weekly, sharing that she opted against chemotherapy and other standard treatment in favor of a more holistic approach.

“It was a shock, it was unexpected, it was confusing, it was daunting in so many ways,” Macpherson said. “And it really gave me an opportunity to dig deep in my inner sense to find a solution that worked for me. I realized I was going to need my own truth, my belief system to support me through it. And that’s what I did. So, it was a wonderful exercise in being true to myself, trusting myself, and trusting the nature of my body and the course of action that I had chosen.”

Related: Elle Macpherson invades Hollywood

Her doctor suggested a mastectomy with radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and reconstruction of her breast. After thoughtful consideration and consultations with over 30 doctors and experts, Macpherson opted for “an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach” that combined therapies and lifestyle changes.

She was under the care of her primary doctor, a doctor of naturopathy, holistic dentist, osteopath, chiropractor, and therapists. “In traditional terms," she said of her health status now, "they’d say I’m in clinical remission, but I would say I’m in utter wellness. And I am! Truly, from every perspective, every blood test, every scan, every imaging test . . . but also emotionally, spiritually and mentally."

"It’s not only what your blood tests say," Macpherson added. "It’s how and why you are living your life on all levels.”

Related: Nicole Eggert shares the most 'frustrating' part of breast cancer treatment: 'The gray area is the hardest'

Macpherson shared that she also connected with the late Olivia Newton-John, who underwent a combination of traditional medical treatment as well as a holistic approach during her diagnosis. "We spoke a few times when I was diagnosed and also through both of our healing journeys,” Macpherson shared. "We did things differently, but we did share experiences with each other and how we feel and how we approach things.”

The model dives into her breast cancer journey in her recently-released memoir Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself, out now. It offers intimate accounts of her life and career, spanning early life lessons as a teenage model in 1980s New York and recounting past addiction and burnout struggles.

Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly.