Supermodel Elle Macpherson recently revealed that she is a breast cancer survivor, a diagnosis she had kept secret for seven years. She was diagnosed with HER2-positive estrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma, also known as stage 0 breast cancer, after undergoing a lumpectomy. Macpherson made the decision to reject traditional treatment options such as chemotherapy and instead opted for a holistic approach to treatment. Despite facing criticism and disbelief from others, she stayed true to herself and followed her intuition in making this decision.
Having consulted with 32 doctors and experts, Macpherson chose to focus on integrative medicine and spent eight months in Phoenix, Arizona, under the care of her primary doctor who specializes in this field. This approach combines conventional and complementary treatments with an emphasis on treating the whole person. Macpherson also saw a doctor of naturopathy, a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor, and two therapists during her time in Arizona. She described her experience as dedicating every moment to healing herself and ultimately achieving clinical remission with clear test results.
Intraductal carcinoma, also known as ductal carcinoma in situ, is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that accounts for about 20% of new diagnoses. It involves the presence of abnormal cells in the lining of a breast duct that have not spread. Macpherson’s cancer was HER2 positive, indicating a higher level of a protein that aids in the growth of breast cancer cells. Treatment for intraductal carcinoma typically involves surgical removal of the abnormal cells followed by radiation therapy. In cases where the cancer is hormone receptor-positive, hormone therapy is also part of the treatment plan.
Despite the potential risk of progression from DCIS to invasive breast cancer if left untreated, some patients may opt to forgo treatment. A 2019 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that patients with DCIS who do not undergo treatment have a limited risk of invasive progression. However, the standard approach to treating DCIS usually involves surgery, radiation, and possibly hormonal therapy. Macpherson’s decision to pursue a holistic approach demonstrates the importance of personalized treatment plans and the significance of listening to one’s intuition in making medical decisions.
Macpherson’s journey as a breast cancer survivor highlights the importance of individualized treatment approaches and the significance of trusting one’s instincts in navigating medical decisions. By following a holistic approach and focusing on integrative medicine, she was able to achieve clinical remission and clear test results. Despite facing criticism and challenges in rejecting traditional treatment options, Macpherson remained true to herself and emphasized the importance of finding the right path for her own healing journey. Her story serves as a reminder of the power of intuition and personalized care in overcoming health challenges.
