Supermodel Elle Macpherson has revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and underwent nontraditional treatment on her journey to remission.
Australia’s Women’s Weekly magazine excerpted the 60-year-old’s new memoir, Elle, in which she explained she underwent a lumpectomy, calling it a “shock” when she found out the growth doctors removed was cancerous.
However, while she was advised to have a mastectomy and chemotherapy, she instead took “an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach” to her health.
“I realised I was going to need my own truth, my belief system to support me through it,” Macpherson writes. “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.”
Incidentally, the model, entrepreneur and self-described accidental actress said she reached out to fellow Australian entertainer Olivia Newton-John, who died of cancer in 2022 after decades battling the disease. “[We] spoke a few times when I was diagnosed and also through both of our healing journeys. We did things differently, but we did share experiences with each other and how we feel and how we approach things.”
Seven years after she was diagnosed, Elle tells the magazine, “In traditional terms, they’d say I’m in clinical remission, but I would say I’m in utter wellness. And I am!”
More specifically, Macpherson says, “Truly, from every perspective, every blood test, every scan, every imaging test … but also emotionally, spiritually and mentally – not only physically. It’s not only what your blood tests say, it’s how and why you are living your life on all levels.”
Holistic Approach
Macpherson’s memoir explores her journey toward a “holistic approach” to managing her breast cancer, which she describes as “the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.” She revealed in her memoir that she was guided by her inner sense and a deep-seated trust in her body, seeking support from a team of specialists including a doctor of naturopathy, a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor, and two therapists. She sought the wisdom of Olivia Newton-John, who had also gone through breast cancer treatment, acknowledging their different approaches but sharing a common desire for healing. This unconventional approach, while not for everyone, resonated with Macpherson, prompting her to prioritize emotional and spiritual healing alongside her physical recovery.
Choosing What Resonated
Macpherson’s decision to forgo chemotherapy and embrace alternative therapies, while a personal choice, highlights the complexity of medical decision-making, especially in the face of a cancer diagnosis. While acknowledging the potential benefits of conventional treatment, she prioritizes her own inner sense and her understanding of her body, emphasizing the importance of trusting one’s intuition. Her story underscores the need for individualised medical care, tailoring treatment plans to fit each person’s needs and beliefs, acknowledging that what resonates with one person may not resonate with another.
Finding Wellness
Macpherson’s journey to remission, a testament to her personal approach, challenges conventional notions of healing. Her description of “utter wellness” encompasses not just physical health, but also emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. She reminds us that true health is a holistic concept, encompassing all aspects of a person’s being. Her story encourages a broader understanding of wellness, highlighting the potential of holistic therapies to support healing alongside traditional medicine. While the medical community continues to research and refine cancer treatment options, individuals must embrace their own agency in navigating their health journeys, guided by what resonates with their personal beliefs and values.
Elle Macpherson’s story is an inspiring reminder that the journey to wellness is unique to each individual. It encourages us to listen to our bodies, trust our intuition, and embrace a holistic approach to health, seeking a balance between traditional and alternative therapies that resonates with our own beliefs and values.
