Today show host Karl Stefanovic has defended Elle Macpherson’s decision to refuse chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
The 60-year-old supermodel was diagnosed with HER2-positive estrogen-receptive intraductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer, after undergoing a lumpectomy seven years ago.
However, instead of seeking traditional medical treatment, the Australian model opted for a “holistic” approach and is now in remission.
Karl, 50, was interviewing medical expert Dr Michael Bonning on Wednesday’s Today show about Elle’s recovery.
Bonning said the supermodel’s approach was unusual and that there are some chemotherapy treatments that are not as brutal on the body as they were in the past.
The doctor then suggested that conventional medicine was the way to go and said, “You need to talk to your doctor about this.”
However, towards the end of the segment, Karl gave Elle some words of encouragement for standing firm in her stance.
“I don’t know if there’s a right or wrong answer, and it’s up to you. You choose your path. And good for her,” the Today show host said.
Today show host Karl Stefanovic (pictured centre) has defended Elle Macpherson’s decision to refuse chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
Comes as Elle She has been branded “shockingly irresponsible” for treating her condition with a “heart-guided holistic approach,” ignoring the advice of 32 doctors.
Doctors suggested a mastectomy with radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and breast reconstruction.
But Elle decided to go the unconventional treatment route and recruited a group of specialists to create a plan that would “address the emotional and physical factors associated with breast cancer.”
The supermodel (pictured in February), 60, was diagnosed with HER2-positive estrogen-receptive intraductal carcinoma, a type of breast cancer, after undergoing a lumpectomy seven years ago.
The model rented a house in Phoenix, Arizona, and spent eight months there, with regular visits from two therapists, a chiropractor, a holistic dentist and a doctor who claims to have cured her own cervical cancer using juice cleanses and a “detox.”
Elle is now in clinical remission, meaning she has no signs or symptoms of the disease.
The mother of two admitted that her eldest son, Flynn, 26, who was 19 at the time of diagnosis, “was not comfortable at all with my choice”.
Elle has been branded “shockingly irresponsible” for treating her illness with a “holistic, heart-led approach”, ignoring the advice of 32 doctors. Pictured this year
After his interview with Women’s weeklyFans agreed with Flynn, slamming the supermodel for being “reckless,” while doctors in the cancer field said she was promoting “dangerous” therapies that could “cost women their lives.”
As for X, fans wrote: “This is shockingly irresponsible of Elle Macpherson. She was lucky that the lumpectomy clearly removed all the cancer cells and it didn’t spread, but to imply that it ‘cured’ the cancer altogether is incredibly reckless.”
“I totally agree. I’m undergoing treatment for breast cancer right now and I see people in oncology fighting to stay alive. I think Elle should be more aware.”
“It’s a worrying message. I’m not against holistic therapy or any other therapy that gives you the most peace of mind possible, but if they hadn’t removed all the cancer, I’m not so sure there would be a remission. Unfortunately, cancer is unique to each individual.”
Another defended Elle, saying: “Everyone has the choice to do what suits them. She doesn’t recommend people adopt her method. As someone who chose the conventional route for breast cancer, I would never criticise what someone else decides. Research, research, research… and then free will.”