‘Dangerous’: High-profile cancer survivors take aim at Elle Macpherson

Some of Australia’s most high profile cancer survivors have weighed in on Elle Macpherson’s decision to divulge her controversial cancer treatment, while breast cancer experts say they are bracing for what they have branded ‘the Elle effect’

Some of Australia’s most high profile cancer survivors have weighed in on Elle Macpherson’s decision to divulge her controversial cancer treatment, while breast cancer experts say they are bracing for what they have branded ‘the Elle effect’.

Macpherson revealed this week that she was diagnosed with HER2 positive oestrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma in 2017, and opted not to follow standard medical advice from doctors.

She said she went against the advice of 32 doctors to have surgery, chemotherapy and radiation to instead follow “an intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach”.

The news has prompted a backlash from many including former magazine editor Kellie Hush, model Lisa Seiffert who both have their own cancer stories.

While Roxy Jacenko sympathises with Macpherson’s decision to tell her story.

Former Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia, Kellie Hush was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 39.

Elle Macpherson

She used Macpherson as her cover girl multiple times and has taken to social media to reveal her shock at what her friend had chosen to make public.

“I am shocked that Elle has come out publicly with her approach to breast cancer,” Hush wrote.

“Such a DANGEROUS headline. Not all women have access to her level of care and can take such a crazy risk. I am a breast cancer survivor and this shocks me. I am floored. A PR stunt? I actually spoke to Elle 24 hours after my lumpectomy (a whole other story!)... I would have done anything at that moment to stay alive for my family. My kids.”

Seiffert was diagnosed with slow growing hormone-related stage two breast cancer in 2022 and needed to undergo a lumpectomy and have her lymph nodes removed.

She understands the importance of choosing her words carefully when discussing her diagnosis publicly.

Pictured is Kellie Hush, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s BAZAAR Australia. Pictured: Esteban La Tessa-6653

“When you have a profile and discussing something as important as cancer treatment, it is so important to be clear about details as so many people are likely to be influenced by the opinion,” Seiffort said.

“I am very supportive of raising awareness, but I think it can be a little dicey when you start talking about treatments when it is such a personal and individual situation.

“Cancer is obviously a very serious diagnosis and vital that you seek guidance by your specialists.

When I was diagnosed I strongly believed in combining the best of medical science with alternative therapies. I was so grateful for the expert care of Dr Sarh Forsyth and the team at RHW that I started the Art for Healing program as my way to give back.”

Jacenko has a differing opinion and has revealed she also took a more ‘holistic’ approach to her treatment.

“I think it is no one’s business - her body, her life, her choice and it’s no one’s business to make any Judgement on her choices,” Jacenko said.

Pictured is Model Lisa Seiffert spearheading philanthropic art program at The Royal, the Sydney hospital that treated her breast cancer. Picture: Tim Hunter.

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 35 I was told that I had to have a mastectomy.

“I chose against it. At the time I was a single mother of two, one of my children... I didn’t have anyone to help me. I decided to do my treatment in the less invasive way in Melbourne instead of Sydney who would only offer me a mastectomy.

“That’s what worked for me and for my family. I am still here.”

Just like doctors often notice an increase in people getting checked for a certain disease or ailment following a diagnosis or death of a high profile celebrity or sportsperson, medical professionals are bracing for an increase in women questioning whether chemotherapy is the right treatment for them - branding it The Elle Effect.

“People are feeling angry and confused,” Vicki Durstan, Director Policy, Advocacy & Support Services at the Breast Cancer Network Australia said.

“We don’t want people to just stop their treatment. We hope they don’t. We really really hope they don’t.

Roxy Jacenko says Elle MacPherson’s health is no one’s business. Picture: Supplied ,

“If you are confused or questioning your own choices, discuss this with your doctor.

“We have come so far in the treatment of breast cancer… this whole notion of scaring people is worry. People like Elle Macpherson who have a very high profile, of course they can share their experience and choices but they need to remember it impacts people and people’s understanding. You are an influencer. You are someone people look up to.”

Durstan is also confused by Macpherson’s revelation, as the type of cancer she has doesn’t typically involve chemotherapy.

“If what she is saying is she had DCIS, she would not have been offered chemotherapy,” she said.

“We know she had a lumpectomy and other treatments which could be offered are radiation therapy and hormone blocking therapy. She would never be offered chemo.

“What’s going on here is confusing. And it is a really challenging environment to have to cut through the noise...