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BCNA statement about Elle Macpherson's treatment decisions

Mez_BCNA's avatar
Mez_BCNA
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
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  • smiller's avatar
    smiller
    Member
    7 months ago
    I think that's a great statement and a helpful addition to the discussion around her publicity 'interviews'. One thing that hasn't really been highlighted in the media yet though is her assertion in her memoir that she 'manifested' the cancer as a result of her emotional state. I found this quite a distressing notion and I think it's a dangerous position for the owner of a wellness business to suggest that 'wellness' is the path to avoid cancer (or recurrence).  
  • MrsMorrisey's avatar
    MrsMorrisey
    Member
    7 months ago
    Very diplomatic statement!
    Of course she can do whatever she likes however don’t omit crucial information such as it was DCIS and she had surgery. 
    The wellness centres are amazing and I’m pretty sure we would all go if we had the time and the money. 
    She talks a lot about her healing journey and that’s very unrealistic for the majority of us. 
    My motto is “you do you” but if you’re a public person then make sure you tell the whole story, not just the controversial bits to get headlines. 
    Great to hear that BCNA has released this statement and I hope people read it instead of hearing all the noise about her and her products. 
  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    7 months ago
    Well said @Mez_BCNA .... I too, was concerned at Elle's choices & the amount of press coverage of her treatment decisions & statements that may well influence other womens' decisions if/when they are diagnosed with BC ....   She is also being interviewed on 60 Mins on Sun.

    She may well have consulted 30 specialists for comments & discussion on treatment - no doubt her name & face would have opened doors not necessarily available to the general public.  Maybe she chose to only 'accept' those opinions that suited the answer she preferred.  I wonder if she was told by any of these specialists - that up to 30% of those with 'good outcomes' (irrelevant of treatment decisions) may still go on to have recurrences and possibly even go metastatic (but the good news is that about 70% DON'T go on to have recurrences ...)

    I was given the option of not having Rads (luckily I didn't have to have chemo) but I chose to have the Rads, as I wanted to throw everything at it, to reduce any chance of a recurrence.  

    Absolutely - every woman needs to make her decisions with the guidance of her treatment team, with evidence based information that will give her the best chance of recovery and NED (No Evidence of Disease.) 

    take care everyone 

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    7 months ago
    Excellent statement!
    I was distressed by Elle's choice.
    It's personal for us all however, the emphasis of the publicity around Elle has been away from the Surgery and her pathology result.
    I too chose not to have Chemo but it was based on 3% and other options available through my wonderful Oncologist. 
    Best wishes to all


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