In her upcoming memoir, supermodel Elle Macpherson opens up about her battle with breast cancer and her decision to take a holistic approach to treatment. Diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, Macpherson was initially faced with the overwhelming suggestion of traditional treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and a mastectomy.
Despite advice from 32 doctors and experts, she chose to explore a different path — one that felt more aligned with her personal beliefs and values.
Macpherson’s decision to forgo conventional treatment was not made lightly. She spent weeks deliberating and found herself seeking clarity and peace. During a visit to the beach in Miami, through prayer and meditation, she came to what she describes as “one of the biggest decisions of her life.” Instead of chemotherapy or radiation, she opted for a more intuitive and heart-led holistic approach under the guidance of her primary physician, who specializes in integrative medicine. This treatment plan focused on healing her entire being — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Macpherson’s integrative care approach was multifaceted, involving not only her primary physician but also a naturopath, holistic dentist, osteopath, chiropractor, and two therapists. She rented a house in Phoenix, Arizona, and devoted eight months to intensive self-healing. Her treatment plan emphasized addressing both the emotional and physical aspects of her breast cancer, which she described as essential to her recovery.
Despite some resistance from family members and friends, including one of her sons, Macpherson stood firm in her decision. She believed that addressing her emotional and spiritual well-being was just as important as treating the cancer itself. As she explains, “Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But saying no to my own inner sense would have been even harder.” This deeply personal decision to follow her intuition reflects Macpherson’s commitment to trusting her body and her belief system throughout the healing process.
Now, Macpherson is in what she describes as “clinical remission,” though she feels she has achieved much more than that. She believes she has reached a state of “utter wellness” — a term she uses to describe her physical, emotional, and spiritual health. “It’s not only what your blood tests say, it’s how and why you are living your life on all levels,” she told Australia’s Women’s Weekly. Her holistic journey allowed her to focus on her total well-being, and she now feels revitalized and whole in a way that goes beyond the clinical definition of remission.
Macpherson’s story emphasizes the importance of personal choice and intuition in cancer treatment. While traditional methods such as chemotherapy and radiation remain the standard of care for many, her journey highlights the growing interest in alternative and holistic therapies. Her integrative approach, which combined physical treatments with emotional and spiritual healing, provides an example of how patients can tailor their treatment plans to suit their individual needs and belief systems.
Elle Macpherson’s decision to take a holistic approach to cancer treatment reminds us that healing is deeply personal and multifaceted. For some, like Macpherson, alternative therapies can offer a pathway to not only physical recovery but also emotional and spiritual well-being. Through her story, Macpherson encourages others to trust themselves and their bodies and to explore all options that align with their values as they navigate their own health journeys.
Her memoir, Elle: Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself, will be published in the U.S. in November 2024, and offers a deeper insight into her journey, sharing the hard-earned wisdom and lessons she gained through her battle with breast cancer.
