​Model Behavior

This week Elle Macpherson, a supermodel from the 90s, decided to announce to the world that she refused chemotherapy, and went the holistic route, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago. The first thing I thought was, “You have got to be kidding me?!?!” While I am all for people doing what they feel is right for themselves medical, I find the message that is being projected irresponsible.
 
What seems to be missing from all the headlines is that she had a lumpectomy. Having a lumpectomy is a conventional form of treatment. There is nothing alternative about it. Heck, I even had one before I had to have a mastectomy. While I’m sure the holistic treatments that she did helped with her over all wellness, it was all the very talented surgeons that made her cancer free.
 
What also seems to be missing from a lot of the articles I have seen is what type of breast cancer she had. From what I can determine, Elle Macpherson was diagnosed with Stage 0 – Triple Positive Intraductal Carcinoma (meaning abnormal cells were found in the lining of a breast duct but hasn’t spread) Breast Cancer. This type of cancer is not considered invasive, and almost all women with this type of cancer can be cured. Regardless, any type of cancer diagnosis is scary. The standard of care for this type of breast cancer most likely would have included a lumpectomy and radiation. In some of the articles I have read that she consulted with over 20 doctors about her treatment. The average person who has breast cancer might consult with a few doctors, but I have yet to meet someone who had the means to meet with over 20. It would be nice if Elle, or one of the 20 docs she spoke with, would clarify what type of breast cancer she was diagnosed with.
 
Now, don’t get me wrong, what Elle did worked for her. She is a multi-millionaire and could afford to then follow a specialized targeted treatment that was holistic based. This form of treatment is not offered to the average person due to the price tag of $50,000 to $100,000+ to try and see if it will work for them instead of conventional medical treatment. Her care team included her primary doctor, a holistic dentist, a chiropractor and therapists. Most patients are advised to include some holistic approaches to their care as they have reported benefits such as reduced side effects and improved quality of life, but they cannot replace traditional treatments.
 
I am glad that everything has worked out for her and that she is now in remission. Sadly, that is not always the case for those that follow her path. A 2017 study found that patients with breast or colorectal cancer who had alternative therapies as their initial treatment were five times more likely to die after five years than those that chose conventional medicine. I worry that the misleading headlines and the lack of diagnosis information will be harmful to vulnerable people that have just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I worry that because she is a celebrity, people will see it and decide to go down the holistic route because it worked for her. As a society we tend to idolize celebrities and will blindly follow their lead. I worry that too many women will suffer due to the lack of information being given to the public. I understand that she has a book to sell, but most of the public will just read the articles and not the book.
 
Dealing with breast cancer creates a flood of emotions and the last thing I, or anyone else in my shoes, need is for someone to mention how I should investigate a more holistic approach to my own cancer treatment. What people don’t realize is that I already do. I see an acupuncturist, do mat Pilates when able, and take an assortment of vitamins and herbs, all in addition to traditional meds. I know that people are just trying to be helpful, but to the person that is fighting for their life these types of comments can be off putting. It can be a very delicate balance of finding the right traditional medication and the right holistic approach to make it beneficial for the patient.
 
I do wish Elle well and hope that she remains cancer free.