Supermodel Elle McPherson has revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago following a lumpectomy in 2017. Known as “The Body,” McPherson shared her journey with Australian Woman’s Weekly, stating that she opted for holistic therapies instead of traditional cancer treatments.
Despite Cancer Research UK’s warning that there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of alternative therapies in treating or curing cancer—and that some might even be harmful—McPherson chose to follow a non-conventional path. She now considers herself in “clinical remission” and describes her current state as one of “utter wellness.”
In her new book, Elle: Life, Lessons and How to Trust Yourself, McPherson discusses her cancer diagnosis under a chapter titled “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.” She recalls the shock and confusion that accompanied the diagnosis, especially when her doctor recommended a mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and breast reconstruction.
“It was a shock, it was unexpected, it was confusing, it was daunting in so many ways. And it really gave me an opportunity to dig deep in my inner sense to find a solution that worked for me.” She said
After weeks of deliberation and consulting with 32 doctors and experts, McPherson ultimately rejected traditional medical treatments in favor of an “intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach.” She acknowledges that this was the hardest decision of her life, but believes that ignoring her inner sense would have been even more difficult.
McPherson’s treatment plan involved the care of various specialists, including a primary doctor, a naturopath, an osteopath, a holistic dentist, and a chiropractor, although details about their qualifications are not provided. She spent eight months in a rental property in Phoenix, Arizona, under their care.
McPherson is also the founder of WelleCo, a beauty and wellness firm, which may have influenced her preference for holistic treatments. Her decision to avoid conventional cancer treatments was met with mixed reactions from her family, particularly her teenage sons.
One was supportive of her choice, while the other, being more conventional, was uncomfortable with it, though he remained supportive overall.
The model also shared that she had previously discovered a cyst in one of her breasts in 2014, which turned out to be benign. This earlier experience may have influenced her approach to her 2017 diagnosis.
McPherson’s decision to avoid traditional cancer treatment highlights the complexities and deeply personal nature of navigating a serious illness. Her story has sparked discussions on the use of alternative therapies in cancer care, raising questions about the balance between medical advice and personal intuition in making health decisions
