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What is a lumpectomy, the surgery Elle Macpherson underwent and how does it differ from a mastectomy?

Macpherson says she is “in utter wellness” after using a “holistic approach” to fight against the disease, which has attracted criticism.

Supermodel Elle Macpherson has revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago, successfully undergoing a lumpectomy to remove a growth in 2017.

Why has Macpherson been criticised for her cancer treatment?

Speaking to Australia Women’s Weekly, the 60-year-old explained that she opted not to use traditional medicine as she fought the disease, instead choosing “holistic therapies,” a revelation for which she has been branded “lucky,” “irresponsible” and “reckless”.

“I chose an holistic approach,” Macpherson writes in her upcoming book, “elle,” excerpts of which have been published by Australia Women’s Weekly. “Saying no to standard medical solutions was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. But saying no to my own inner sense would have been even harder”.

According to the National Cancer Institute, “some” complimentary and alternative medicine is “generally safe and effective,” but “others do not work, may be harmful, or could interact negatively with your medicines”. It also states that natural supplements aren’t always safe, and that “diet alone cannot control cancer”.

What is a lumpectomy?

Following her diagnosis, Macpherson explains that she had a lumpectomy to remove a growth in her breast.

A lumpectomy, described by Mayo Clinic as “surgery to remove cancer or other abnormal tissue” from the breast, is also referred to as breast-conserving surgery because only a portion of the bread is removed.

What is a mastectomy?

The Australian says she spoke to 32 different doctors, many of which recommended she undergo a mastectomy and/or chemotherapy.

Unlike a lumpectomy, a mastectomy is “surgery to remove all breast tissue from a breast” (i.e. the removal of a breast).

Elle Macpherson’s current health status

Although many believe Macpherson took a gamble with her choice of treatment, she reveals in her new book she is now feeling back to full health after her ordeal: “In traditional terms, they’d say I’m in clinical remission, but I would say I’m in utter wellness. And I am!”

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