An international TV personality who has cancer lashed out at supermodel Elle Macpherson's comments about her own cancer journey.
Mel Schilling, who works as a couples' counselor on reality TV series Married At First Sight, both the Australian and U.K. versions, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and shared her concerns about Macpherson in a video on Instagram.
The Australian model made headlines this week when she revealed she'd had breast cancer that she kept secret, and that she was in remission after refusing chemotherapy and opting for a less traditional approach.
She spoke about her diagnosis in her soon-to-be-published memoir, Life, Lessons, and Learning to Trust Yourself, and opened up further about her medical decisions in an interview with Australian magazine Women's Weekly.
After having a surgical procedure to remove a breast tumor and some surrounding tissue, Macpherson declined doctors' advice to undergo a mastectomy, along with hormone therapy, radiation, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction. Instead, she "holistically treated" her cancer with a primary doctor, a naturopathic doctor, a holistic dentist, an osteopath, a chiropractor and two therapists.
"Sometimes an authentic choice from the heart makes no sense to others ... but it doesn't have to. 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. It was time for deep, inner reflection. And that took courage," Macpherson told the magazine.
But Schilling wasn't impressed with the supermodel's statements, not because of her choice, but the influence Macpherson could have on other people with cancer.
Newsweek contacted Macpherson's representatives by email for comment.
"I'm having some thoughts about Elle Macpherson... as a relatively new member of the cancer community and as someone who's just completed six months of chemo," Schilling began. "She chose to go down the more holistic approach, wellness approach, which included things like praying and meditation."
Schilling said she was "not here to judge," and that she also believes in a holistic approach to cancer, "but my approach includes chemo too."
"Now I don't have a problem with Elle choosing this path for herself. Everyone has the right to choose their own treatment that works for them and of course every cancer is different," she added. "What I have a problem with is Elle McPherson as a high profile role model, who is seen to be incredibly aspirational, especially to Australian women."
"This message that she's pedalling at the moment which is her own story [is] plagued with judgement and arrogance, superiority, privilege."
The TV star continued to say she was concerned for people in the cancer community who are trying to access alternative treatments "that are probably quite expensive and maybe not accessible for the average person."
"As people with a public profile, we have a responsibility for thinking about the way our messages are going to land with people," Schilling continued.
"My concern is that that people in the cancer community will hear her messages and feel less than. It's not fair that she has access to this kind of stuff, and they might feel judged for choosing the medical route."
Going into counseling mode, Schilling advised her followers to do their research when first diagnosed and not to make decisions about the medical treatment in an emotional state or being swept up in a celebrity's comments.
"When you get that diagnosis of cancer, you're probably at one of the most vulnerable places you could possibly be in your life," she said.
"Don't jump on something because you know you're emotionally inclined toward it and I know, I know that's, that's so hard because it's such an emotional time... but please don't be swayed by people in the media or in the public spotlight who are selling wellness products because you deserve better than that."
Schilling was not the only person to comment on Macpherson decision with some experts saying it was difficult to pass judgement. It was essential to know her full diagnosis and decision-making process because those details "are so important to get the messaging right to alleviate fears and cut through the noise," Vicki Durston, the director of policy, advocacy and support services at Breast Cancer Network Australia, told The Guardian Australia.
"It's important that when high-profile figures like Elle Macpherson share their story, they need to understand that their story has enormous impact and reach."
Others pointed out it's important for people to be discerning when taking in comments from celebrities, especially those who own wellness brands such as Macpherson, who runs the Welleco beauty and supplements company.
"The public and patients alike really need to be wary of celebrities, and increasingly social media influencers, who discuss this kind of wellness or alternative therapy approach and who may be profiting from associations with brands and products," Dr Brooke Nickel, a National Health and Medical Research Council emerging leader research fellow with the University of Sydney, also told The Guardian.
"This wellness movement often aligns itself with the women's health movement, which is about autonomy, empowerment and legitimate criticisms of patriarchal medical systems. This whole rise with celebrities and influencers adopting the women's empowerment language has taken the wellness movement to the next level, and often, what they're discussing is not based on evidence."
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
