September 4th 2024.
It was a difficult time for me, three years ago when I received the news that every woman dreads - I had breast cancer. It was an extremely aggressive type, with fast-growing tumors that had already spread to my lymph nodes. I remember my oncologist's words as I sobbed uncontrollably, "I bet you feel like this came out of nowhere." It was all so surreal, I couldn't believe it was happening to me.
At 58 years old, I was fit and feeling fabulous. I had just visited my GP a few weeks prior for a pain in my left breast, and she immediately referred me to the hospital's breast clinic. My first thought was of my two children, aged 16 and 19. "I can't die," I cried. "They need me." I made it clear to my doctors that I was willing to accept any treatment they recommended. "I am putting my life in your hands," I told them. And so began months of grueling chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy, followed by over a year of targeted drug injections for my specific type of cancer, HER2-positive.
To my joy, my final scan showed that the tumors had completely disappeared. It felt like a miracle. While chemotherapy may not be the best approach for everyone, a study has shown that it can reduce the risk of death by 25% and the risk of cancer spreading by 18%. As someone who has personally gone through breast cancer, I can attest that it is a hell of a lot of lives saved.
However, my relief turned to concern when I read about Elle Macpherson's recent statements. The former model-turned-wellness-influencer shared with Australia's Women's Weekly that after being diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, she turned down chemotherapy recommended by "32 doctors" in favor of a "holistic approach". This approach apparently involved sitting on a beach in Arizona and focusing on healing with a team of alternative health practitioners.
Of course, we don't know the full story and it's important to consider the nature of her cancer and the advice she received. But it's alarming to hear someone with such a large platform promote alternative therapies over proper medical care. As a health journalist, I have learned some important facts about breast cancer and medical treatments. The first symptom that most women notice is a lump or thickened tissue in their breast. It's important to see a doctor if you notice any changes, such as discharge from the nipples, swelling in the armpits, or changes in the appearance of the skin or nipple.
While alternative or holistic therapies may sound harmless, the truth is that they can increase the risk of death by six times compared to traditional treatments. Refusing treatment altogether is even more dangerous, with only 4% of women surviving for ten years. And in the case of Macpherson, it's unclear if she refused the correct medical care for her specific type of cancer. She mentioned being diagnosed with intraductal carcinoma, also known as Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS), which has an excellent prognosis and does not always require chemotherapy.
I had a lumpectomy for my cancer, which left most of my breast intact. This is the correct approach for DCIS, and patients have a 98% survival rate after 15 years. While radiotherapy can also be recommended to boost survival rates, it's important to trust the expertise of a team of medical professionals.
My fear is that women with more aggressive forms of breast cancer, like mine, may see Macpherson's positive outcomes and decide to refuse chemotherapy. They may think they are making a positive choice, but in reality, they are putting their lives at risk. As someone who has been through the grueling treatments, I can assure you that there is nothing "heart-led" about refusing proper medical care.
In response to Macpherson's statements, Jane Murphy from the charity Breast Cancer Now reminds us that each person's diagnosis is different and their treatment will be tailored to their individual situation based on clinical evidence. It's important to trust your doctors and not be swayed by misleading statements from celebrities. Let's not forget the thousands of women and men who die from breast cancer every year, and the importance of seeking proper medical care. As a health journalist and cancer survivor, I urge everyone to prioritize their health and not be fooled by unproven, alternative therapies.
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