Elle MacPherson's holistic cancer journey ignites fierce debate

Australian model Elle Macpherson found herself at the center of controversy after revealing that, following her breast cancer diagnosis, she gave up traditional treatment methods such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Instead, she chose a "holistic approach," which she described as "an intuitive, heart-led." She shared her story in an interview with "The Australian Women's Weekly."

Elle Macpherson, an Australian model, learned seven years ago that she had breast cancer. Because of the serious health threat, she underwent a lumpectomy. This procedure is used in the early stages of breast cancer and involves removing the tumor or abnormal tissue from the breast before the disease has a chance to develop.

Although such surgery is often effective, standard medical procedures usually recommend additional therapies—mastectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy—to minimize the risk of cancer recurrence. Macpherson chose a different path against the advice of more than 30 doctors.

In an interview with "The Australian Women's Weekly," the model explained that she considered various options for several weeks, meditating and praying on the beach, ultimately leading her to a holistic approach. Macpherson explained that she chose to trust her own instincts and inner faith.

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, the model admitted.

The model's choice instantly sparked a wave of criticism from both medical experts and internet users. Dr. David Robert Grimes, a well-known Irish physicist and publicist, was particularly vocal. In his post on platform X, he wrote:

Incredibly irresponsible from Elle Macpherson: Holistic therapy is NOT valid treatment for breast cancer, he said.

Grimes pointed out that promoting such beliefs, especially by a public figure, could lead other women to forgo life-saving treatments.

So entitled that a multimillionaire with access to best healthcare advises women to ignore medical advice, he added.

Critical voices also appeared from internet users, who accused the model of promoting dangerous ideas. They indicated that her decision to use a holistic approach may have only been effective because the cancer was detected early and removed during the lumpectomy. Many pointed out that suggesting meditation or prayer can replace traditional treatment could mislead and discourage other people from taking effective therapy.

Some critics also referenced Macpherson's past and her relationship with Andrew Wakefield, a controversial figure known for promoting false anti-vaccine theories. Wakefield was the author of a widely discredited study that wrongly linked the MMR vaccine to autism, which led to declining vaccination rates worldwide. The study was formally retracted, and he was struck off the medical register, but his views still have followers.

In light of these events, the question arises: what responsibility should celebrities bear for their impact on their fans? Elle Macpherson's decision, although personal, sparked a broad debate about the promotion of unconventional treatment methods, especially regarding a disease like breast cancer.