Experts have warned that supermodel Elle Macpherson’s decision to shun conventional medicine to beat breast cancer was dangerous and could lead to recurrence.
The 60-year-old last week said she ignored the advice of 32 doctors, who advised her to have a mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Breast cancer survivors angry with Elle Macpherson.
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Instead, she opted for a “holistic approach”.
“Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” she said, reported Australian Women’s Weekly.
“People thought I was crazy but I knew I had to make a choice that truly resonated with me.”
Macpherson claims she is now “in clinical remission, but I would say I’m in utter wellness”.
But one doctor says that she now has a one-in-five chance of the disease coming back.
According to an anonymous breast oncologist cited by 60 Minutes, there were “very real concerns” Macpherson’s cancer could return.
Her decision to reject conventional medicine means she has a 20 per cent chance of recurrence within 10 years, the oncologist said.
Breast cancer surgeon Cindy Mak had earlier told 7NEWS she has had patients decline traditional treatment with “quite catastrophic” consequences.
Mak, from Sydney’s Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, says Macpherson may not be 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,” she said.
Wellness warrior Macpherson has also been slammed by cancer survivors who say they are angry and hurt.
“It’s infuriating. None of us have access to 32 doctors for advice,” Patrice Capogreco said.
‘Incredibly irresponsible’
Cancer researcher Dr David Robert Grimes described Macpherson’s decision as “incredibly irresponsible”.
“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*** kills people,” he said on X, formerly Twitter.
The Cancer Council said alternative therapies “are often promoted as cancer cures” but are “unproven” and not 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,” the council said on its website.
Cancer surgeon Chris Pyke, director of medical services at the Mater private hospitals in Brisbane, told the Guardian that a lumpectomy, which Macpherson underwent, can in some cases be an appropriate treatment for the condition.
He said HER2-positive oestrogen-receptive intraductal carcinoma can often be described as a type of non-invasive pre-cancer with the potential to become aggressive if left untreated.
“Intraductal means precancerous, so the cancer cells have formed but they are still housed inside the ducts in the breast,” Pyke said.
“Left to its own devices, a certain proportion of these cases will turn into invasive cancer during the next year. But the number is not high — about 5 per cent. It’s quite possible that just removing that lump all by itself could have been sufficient treatment.”