Elle McPherson says she refused chemotherapy after breast cancer diagnosis and opted for holistic treatment; is it worth trying?

Elle Macpherson has said she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago but is now in remission despite refusing chemotherapy. The Australian supermodel and actress of the 1980s, in her memoir Elle: Life, lessons and how to learn to trust yourselfHe has said he took a holistic approach to the disease, going against the advice of dozens of doctors.

Macpherson said she underwent a lumpectomy after being diagnosed with HER2-positive estrogen receptor intraductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer. However, when it was suggested she undergo a mastectomy with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy and breast reconstruction, she refused.

“It was a shock, unexpected, confusing, overwhelming in many ways,” the 60-year-old said in an interview with Australian Women’s Weekly magazine. “And it gave me the opportunity to search deep within myself to find a solution that would work for me.”

Elle said she found it difficult to take the nontraditional route. She said she rented a house in Arizona for eight months, where she “holistically treated” her cancer under the guidance of a naturopath, a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor and two therapists. “I chose a holistic approach. Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But saying no to my inner sense might have been even harder,” she added. “Sometimes an authentic choice that comes from the heart doesn’t make sense to others… but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

“People thought I was crazy, but I knew I had to make a decision that really resonated with me,” she said.

Scientists say there is no evidence that alternative therapies work

Typical cancer treatment focuses on surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy and there is no scientific or medical evidence that alternative therapies can cure cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, many cancer patients opt for complementary therapies alongside conventional medical treatments, such as aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage therapy, visualisation and yoga.

How can alternative treatments be used for cancer patients?

According to the Mayo Clinic, alternative cancer treatments may not play a direct role in curing cancer, but they can help you deal with signs and symptoms caused by cancer and its treatments, such as anxiety, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, pain, difficulty sleeping and stress.

These treatments can help people feel better, but they can cause many side effects, while some alternative therapies can be harmful and cause side effects, as well as interfere with conventional cancer treatment. The most popular ones are:

Cognitive behavioral therapy

CBT is a common type of talk therapy in which a mental health counselor works with you to see challenging situations more clearly and respond in a more effective way.

Aromatherapy

Use fragrant oils to provide a calming sensation and help relieve nausea, pain, and stress.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture treatment uses small needles inserted into the skin at precise points, which is helpful in relieving nausea caused by chemotherapy. Acupuncture may also help relieve certain types of pain in people with cancer.

Hypnosis

During a hypnotherapy session, a therapist may hypnotize you by speaking to you in a soft voice and helping you relax. The therapist will then help you focus on goals, such as managing pain and reducing stress.