Despite medical advice, Elle Macpherson chose to ignore her breast cancer diagnosis: "I was considered insane."

Elle Macpherson, known as "The Body," has been featured in magazines wearing swimsuits, showcasing her intimates.

The Australian beauty has kept her breast cancer diagnosis a secret for the last seven years.

Prior to the publication of her book "Elle" in November, Macpherson is disclosing her struggle with cancer and the reasons behind her decision to fight it independently, after consulting with 32 doctors and experts.

"The 60-year-old was shocked, taken aback, and bewildered by her diagnosis. She shared her experience with Women's Weekly, stating that it was daunting in numerous ways. However, the diagnosis presented her with an opportunity to delve deeper into her inner self to discover a solution that worked for her. She realized that she needed her own truth and belief system to support her through it. As a result, she embraced this realization and found the strength to overcome her challenges."

Macpherson's doctor recommended a mastectomy with chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy. However, after weeks of consideration, Macpherson decided that an "intuitive, heart-led, holistic approach" was the best way to fight her cancer.

She shared that it was a wonderful exercise in being true to herself, trusting herself, and trusting the nature of her body and the course of action she had chosen.

Macpherson opted for integrative medicine, focusing on alternative therapies and lifestyle changes, staying at home in Arizona for eight months under the supervision of her naturopathy specialist doctor. She also visited an osteopath, chiropractor, holistic dentist, and two therapists.

In her book, Macpherson described her family's reaction when she chose a non-pharmaceutical path.

At the time of her diagnosis, her children were 19 and 14, respectively. She shares sons Arpad "Flynn" Alexander Busson and Aurelius "Cy" Andrea Busson with ex-partner André "Arki" Arpad Busson.

"Cy believed that chemo was fatal, so he never wanted me to undergo it. Flynn, being more traditional, was uncomfortable with my decision. Although he is my son, he would support me through anything and love me regardless of my choices. My children were supportive in their unique ways, but I knew they were scared."

"Arki was very supportive, even though he didn't agree with my actions. He wrote to me to express his pride in my courage. Although he was scared, he considered my decision to not take a conventional pharmaceutical route as extreme. I, on the other hand, felt that the chemo and surgery route were equally extreme."

"He was scared because I’d decided not to take a conventional pharmaceutical route. He considered that extreme. I, on the other hand, felt the chemo and surgery route was extreme." — Elle Macpherson on her and ex-partner Arki Busson's separate beliefs on how to fight cancer

However, Macpherson acknowledged that her treatment plan is unique.

"I realized that there were no guarantees and no definitive answers. There was no one-size-fits-all solution, only the solution that worked best for me. I opted for a holistic approach, which meant rejecting conventional medical treatments. Although saying no to standard solutions was challenging, it was nothing compared to denying my own intuition.

"Making a choice from the heart, even if it doesn't make sense to others, is not always wrong. People may think you're crazy, but you know what's right for you. For me, that meant considering both emotional and physical factors related to breast cancer. It took courage to reflect deeply on my feelings and make a choice that truly resonated with me."

"People thought
I was crazy but I knew I had to make
a choice that truly resonated with
me. To me, that meant addressing emotional as well as physical factors associated with breast cancer." — Elle Macpherson

Macpherson stated that she is doing well more than five years after her initial diagnosis.

"Although traditionally they'd classify me as in clinical remission, I consider myself in complete wellness, and I am!" she declared.

"On all levels, including physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally, it's not just about what your blood tests and imaging tests reveal, but also how and why you live your life."