Elle Macpherson, the iconic supermodel once known as “The Body,” has opened up about a deeply personal and controversial chapter of her life in her upcoming memoir, “Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself.” At 60, the Australian beauty reveals that she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, a diagnosis that sent shockwaves through her family and friends. But what truly sets Macpherson’s story apart is her bold decision to reject conventional medical treatment in favor of a holistic approach—despite the urging of 32 doctors to undergo chemotherapy.
Macpherson’s diagnosis came after a lumpectomy, where she was told she had HER2-positive estrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer known for its aggressive nature. For most, such a diagnosis would lead to a standard course of treatment involving surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. But Macpherson, who has long been an advocate for wellness and natural living, chose a different path.
In an interview with Women’s Weekly, Macpherson described her diagnosis as a “shock” and “confusing” but ultimately an opportunity to “dig deep” and find a solution that resonated with her on a spiritual and emotional level. “Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life,” she confessed. But, as she explained, saying no to her inner voice would have been even harder.
Macpherson’s approach, which she describes as “intuitive, heart-led, holistic,” involved rejecting chemotherapy and instead renting a house in Phoenix, Arizona, where she dedicated herself entirely to her health. She focused on alternative therapies, including diet, stress reduction, and emotional healing—methods that many in the medical community view as complementary at best, rather than standalone treatments.
Not surprisingly, Macpherson’s decision was met with skepticism, not just from medical professionals but also from those closest to her. Her sons, Flynn and Cy, had mixed reactions. While Cy, at 21, feared that chemotherapy was a “kiss of death,” Flynn, 26, was more conventional in his thinking and found it difficult to support his mother’s choice. Nevertheless, both sons stood by her, demonstrating the deep familial bond that carried them through this trying time.
Yet, the controversy surrounding Macpherson’s choices doesn’t end there. Dr. Martin Scurr, a retired UK physician, expressed concerns about Macpherson’s influence on others facing similar diagnoses. “What worries me is that Elle will be seen as an example of the way forward for treating cancer,” he cautioned in the Daily Mail. He acknowledged the benefits of holistic practices but stressed they should complement, not replace, conventional treatments.
Macpherson’s story is undoubtedly one of courage and conviction, but it also serves as a lightning rod for the broader debate about the role of alternative medicine in serious health conditions. While she claims to be in “clinical remission,” skeptics warn that her journey is far from over. The supermodel herself remains steadfast, believing that her choice to trust her body and instincts was the right one for her.
As Macpherson’s memoir hits the shelves, it’s clear her journey will inspire some and alarm others. But one thing is certain: Elle Macpherson’s story is a testament to the power of personal choice, even when it flies in the face of conventional wisdom. Whether one agrees with her methods or not, her story will undoubtedly spark discussions about the balance between medical science and holistic healing in the fight against cancer.
