BCNA statement about Elle Macpherson's treatment decisions

Community Manager

7 months ago

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) would like to address recent media coverage regarding Elle Macpherson's statements about her personal approach to breast cancer treatment. Elle Macpherson's choices highlight the deeply personal nature of treatment decisions following a breast cancer diagnosis.

BCNA respects Elle Macpherson's right to share her experience and acknowledges that every breast cancer experience is unique. All individual breast cancer diagnoses and experiences are different. BCNA recognises Elle Macpherson's right to discuss her own breast cancer experience through her own lens and support her right to make the choices she feels are best for her circumstances. It’s important to recognise that everyone’s diagnosis and every treatment path is unique and shaped around their individual diagnosis.

When public figures discuss their health experiences, it brings valuable attention to important issues. However, BCNA believes it's crucial that these discussions do not lead to doubt or fear among others facing similar diagnoses. Our priority is to ensure that people feel empowered and informed in the choices they make following a breast cancer diagnosis.

BCNA advocates for the importance of accessing trusted, evidence-based information to guide treatment decisions. While a healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, plays a role in cancer care, we emphasise the importance of consulting healthcare professionals and relying on the expertise of your treatment team to make informed decisions for you.

BCNA's role is to cut through the noise and help people navigate what is a very stressful time in their lives. We provide free information and resources to those with a breast cancer diagnosis at a time they need it most, along with support via our free Helpline.

For more information or support, please visit our Information and Resources Hub or call our Helpline at 1800 268 002.

Published 7 months ago

Version 1.0

Community Manager

Joined August 13, 2021

View Profile

News and events

Follow this blog board to get notified when there's new activity

Vangirl
Member
6 months ago

Esjay said:

Thanks BCNA for your current discussion between Dr Charlotte Tottman & Kirsten Pilatti. Some very valuable level headed advice there!
Another good podcast to watch is on ABC news with Dr Norman Swan on this same issue. He states that Elle's cancer was DCIS, and as soon as he told us that one detail it placed her whole story in perspective.
No more did I think dark thoughts of her or question my own treatment decisions..how crucial that we have the WHOLE story before we pass judgment. She has a right to make her own educated decisions just like us all. Unfortunately media so often omits important details that skew the information & we start to believe fake news.
I'm sure if I'd had the time or money to ask as many doctors for their opinion as she did it would have only confused me more! Very thankful for the brilliant surgeons and oncologists that we have here in Australia that are at the head of their game! When you know they hold multidisciplinary meetings to discuss your individual case, and can arrive at unanimous decisions that have your best at heart, you know you can't go wrong with putting your faith & trust in their knowledge & expertise.

All the best for all those travelling this road!
Remember it's the diamonds that pass through the greatest pressure that shine brightest!

Yes, knowing that one detail was crucial to our understanding of how Ms McPherson survived breast cancer without conventional treatment. As Norman Swan pointed out, there is a not-insignificant percentage of women with DCIS who will not go on to develop full-blown breast cancer, whether or not they get conventional treatment. She played a game of Russian roulette and won, lucky for her.
Esjay
Member
7 months ago
Thanks BCNA for your current discussion between Dr Charlotte Tottman & Kirsten Pilatti. Some very valuable level headed advice there!
Another good podcast to watch is on ABC news with Dr Norman Swan on this same issue. He states that Elle's cancer was DCIS, and as soon as he told us that one detail it placed her whole story in perspective.
No more did I think dark thoughts of her or question my own treatment decisions..how crucial that we have the WHOLE story before we pass judgment. She has a right to make her own educated decisions just like us all. Unfortunately media so often omits important details that skew the information & we start to believe fake news.
I'm sure if I'd had the time or money to ask as many doctors for their opinion as she did it would have only confused me more! Very thankful for the brilliant surgeons and oncologists that we have here in Australia that are at the head of their game! When you know they hold multidisciplinary meetings to discuss your individual case, and can arrive at unanimous decisions that have your best at heart, you know you can't go wrong with putting your faith & trust in their knowledge & expertise.

All the best for all those travelling this road!
Remember it's the diamonds that pass through the greatest pressure that shine brightest!
Daina_BCNA
Community Manager
7 months ago
Good morning all,

Just jumping in while Mez is offline this morning to provide a link to the latest post in the Online Network about BCNA CEO, Kirsten Pilatti and Clinical Psychologist, Dr Charlotte Tottman's member-focused discussion - Supporting your through the current media coverage
Cath62
Member
7 months ago
Thanks @Mez_BCNA. Very well put. I agree with many of the comments above. Elle can do what she wants, consult 30 plus specialist to get the answer that suits. Increasing the number of specialist also to reduce her decision risk. Then, indulge in everything to do with wellness. Develop your own wellness products under your own brand and make more money. Then the book etc etc . Remission fingers crossed for her. She certainly is a good business woman and her 'brand' reaches far.
GorgyS
Member
7 months ago
I watched 60 minutes last night. I think Elle stated that she had two lumpectomies and no clear margins after the second surgery. As I heard, she is ER positive and Her2 positive.

Here is the link to watch that part of the interview. Tracy Grimshaw asked really good questions.

Elle Macpherson Tracy Grimshaw 60 Minutes interview (nine.com.au)
It is still confusing to me.
Some comments in the Daily Mail Elle Macpherson's 60 Minutes interview slammed as 'irresponsible' and 'wellness dribble' after the supermodel describes using 'holistic' medicine to beat breast cancer | Daily Mail Online
iserbrown
Member
7 months ago
No I didn't watch it however she was on morning TV today. She was plugging her book and deflecting to her book! She says the Press haven't read her book and the Cancer is only in one chapter.
She did say that suggested treatments vary around different countries.

I found the other TV program, last night, on Mental Health extremely interesting!!
arpie
Member
7 months ago
Checking out the interview on 60 Minutes ... did anyone watch it? I will watch it again, as I recorded it.

Mmmm, it actually sounded like her 'first lumpectomy' was most likely the Biopsy .... as she said it was to find out what type of cancer/tumour she had.

She said she'd lost almost half a breast in flesh ... I wonder if she had reconstruction surgery - as that hasn't been mentioned ...

A Sydney Morning Herald article (on Sat) is quite scathing ... with UK Breast Surgeon (who's had 2 recurrences herself) Liz O'Riodan also coming out (in the article) saying those who choose not to have mainstream treatment are up to 6 times more likely to succumb to the cancer.

This is Liz's comment on FB ....
https://www.facebook.com/reel/998863291926164
Vangirl
Member
7 months ago
@MrsMorrisey Thanks. I had a feeling that it must have been DCIS, and not full-blown breast cancer, otherwise I'm sure she wouldn't still be here, having followed the same path. I'm a bit confused as to why chemotherapy was even on the table for DCIS, as it's my understanding that there's an extremely low risk that it would have already spread beyond the breast. I'd be interested to know exactly what her original team of doctors actually advised - from them, not just based on what she has said or understands.
GorgyS
Member
7 months ago
Since my diagnosis, I have been very careful about the information I access and consider when making decisions regarding my treatment. I rely on my medical team and the BCNA website and network. I am particularly cautious about statements made by celebrities, as their intentions are often unclear to me. However, I empathize with all women diagnosed with breast cancer, regardless of their social status or the treatment they choose.
June1952
Member
7 months ago
Thanks @Mez_BCNA for the prompt response to the Elle McPherson controversy.

She may have been to see 30 specialists and lucky her that she could afford to do so.
She took much time off and lucky her to be able to do that.
Seven years later she still has a heap of advocates working with her.

Oh, how many of us would love to know exactly how much money she has, is and will outlay for her treatments. Really, as with TV vet shows, they and she should have to advise the costs involved !

Merely knowing the cost would put many people off even trying to follow her exam[le.