Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson has hit back at critics of her decision to treat her cancer using a holistic approach.
Macpherson, 60, wrote about her diagnosis in her new book, Elle, in which she revealed she had been diagnosed seven years ago with breast cancer.
The model had HER2 positive oestrogen receptive intraductal carcinoma, prompting doctors to recommend a mastectomy with radiation, as well as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and reconstruction of her breast.
However, after considering her options and speaking to other experts, Macpherson decided to forego chemo and instead work with her doctor on a holistic approach which involved her 'trusting the nature of [her] body'.
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The supermodel admitted some of her loved ones had their reservations about her decision, but she stood by her choice - something she did again while discussing her book on TV.
Macpherson appeared on Australia's Today show to talk about her diagnosis, and acknowledged that not all of the responses she'd had were 'favorable'.
In response to the critics, Macpherson pointed out that many of those questioning her choices were doing so without having read her book, and without having been through the experience themselves.
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However, she managed to look on the bright side as she said: "I guess I would say I'm really pleased that it has [sparked] conversation and discussion because with discussion comes awareness and comes growth.
"[It's] uncomfortable for me, but I think it's very worthwhile in that sense."
Macpherson stressed again that she sought a lot of medical advice before making her decision, and claimed every doctor had a 'different opinion' on how to treat her case of breast cancer.
"There was no clear path, and there were no guarantees either way," she said. "I just made a decision based on all the information that I'd gathered, and what felt right for me."
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Macpherson made clear that she was not giving advice to other people who may have been diagnosed with cancer, but that she was simply sharing her experience.
"It's an honest chapter," she said, when discussing her responsibility as a role model to other people.
In the book, Macpherson said 'saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing [she's] ever done in her life'.
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"But saying no to my own inner sense would have been even harder," she added.
Macpherson is now clinically in remission, and is celebrating 'being well'.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.
Emily Brown