Elle Macpherson made headlines when she claimed to have cured her breast cancer using a “holistic” approach, rather than traditional medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. The 60-year-old supermodel revealed that she assembled a team of doctors who helped her achieve what she calls a “miracle” cure.
Seven years ago, Macpherson was diagnosed with HER2-positive oestrogen-receptive intraductal carcinoma after a lumpectomy. Despite recommendations from 32 cancer doctors to undergo mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and reconstructive surgery, Macpherson chose to take a different path. She opted for an “intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach” that focused on addressing emotional as well as physical factors associated with breast cancer.
Her unconventional treatment plan included a primary doctor, a doctor of naturopathy, a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor, and two therapists. She also sought guidance from Dr. Zach Bush, a physician known for his views on the microbiome and health, who has criticized chemotherapy as a fear-driven business. Macpherson credited Dr. Bush for teaching her about the connection between soil health and overall wellbeing.
Another key figure in Macpherson’s treatment journey was Dr. Sara Siso, a plant-based healer who claimed to have cured her own cervical cancer through juice cleanses and detox. Macpherson followed vegetable juicing recipes from Dr. Siso and credited her holistic approach to healing. Dr. Simoné Laubscher, a functional nutritionist and naturopath, also played a role in Macpherson’s treatment, using vegan supplements to treat her breast cancer.
Despite the unconventional nature of her treatment plan, Macpherson stood by her decision, emphasizing the importance of following her heart and intuition. She acknowledged that her choices may have seemed crazy to others but believed in addressing both emotional and physical aspects of cancer. Macpherson’s journey serves as a reminder of the power of personalized, holistic approaches to healing.
In 2021, Macpherson parted ways with Dr. Andrew Wakefield, an anti-vaxxer whom she had dated for two years. Wakefield, known for falsely claiming a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, was not aligned with Macpherson’s beliefs and values regarding health and wellness.