Can the approach of supermodel Elle Macpherson cancer treatment be a viable solution

While conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy are essential for treating breast cancer, lifestyle interventions can complement these therapies to improve patient outcomes. Lifestyle interventions, including dietary adjustments, exercise, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene, can contribute to enhanced recovery, improved quality of life, and potentially reduced recurrence risk. However, it is critical to emphasize that lifestyle changes cannot replace evidence-based medical treatments. 

1. Nutrition and Breast Cancer:

Diet is one of the most thoroughly researched areas in the context of breast cancer prevention and recurrence. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is recommended for individuals undergoing treatment or recovering from breast cancer. Specifically, a plant-based diet, high in fibre and antioxidants, is associated with better outcomes. Research suggests that consuming foods high in phyto-chemicals, such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage) and berries, may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which are implicated in cancer progression.

A key study known as the Women’s Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) study examined the effects of a plant-based diet on breast cancer recurrence. The study found that women who consumed a diet high in vegetables, fruit, and fibre, while low in fat, showed a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to those on a standard diet. However, it's important to note that nutrition alone cannot act as a stand-alone treatment; it serves to support the body’s ability to cope with cancer therapies and recovery.

2. The Role of Physical Activity:

Physical activity has been shown to have significant benefits for breast cancer survivors, both in terms of quality of life and long-term outcomes. Regular exercise helps improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and mental health, all of which can be severely impacted during and after breast cancer treatment. Moreover, exercise is thought to reduce levels of circulating oestrogen, which may decrease the risk of recurrence in hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers.

Guidelines recommend that breast cancer survivors engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, and two sessions of strength training per week. 

3. Weight Management:

Obesity is an established risk factor for breast cancer recurrence and mortality, particularly in postmenopausal women and those with hormone-receptor-positive cancers. Excess body fat leads to increased levels of oestrogen, insulin, and inflammatory markers, all of which can promote cancer growth. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet and physical activity is crucial for breast cancer patients. 

Weight management should be approached cautiously, especially during active treatment when weight loss might not be advisable due to the risk of malnutrition.

4. Mind-Body Interventions and Stress Reduction:

Chronic stress has been linked to poorer outcomes in breast cancer patients. Elevated cortisol levels, a marker of chronic stress, are associated with immune suppression and an increased risk of cancer progression. Mind-body interventions, including meditation, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), yoga, and tai chi, have been studied for their effects on stress, anxiety, and quality of life in cancer patients. However, while beneficial for mental and emotional health, these practices do not directly impact cancer biology or tumor growth.

5. Sleep Hygiene and Cancer Recovery:

Adequate, high-quality sleep is essential for the body’s recovery and immune function. Sleep disturbances, common among breast cancer patients, are linked to increased inflammation and poorer outcomes. Poor sleep quality may exacerbate fatigue, impair cognitive function, and weaken the immune system, potentially impacting cancer progression. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown to be effective in improving sleep among cancer patients, and incorporating good sleep hygiene practices

 Use of Supplements and Complementary Therapies:3

Many breast cancer patients explore dietary supplements and complementary therapies to support their health during treatment. Common supplements include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and antioxidants. However, it is essential to approach supplement use with caution, as some supplements can interfere with cancer treatments. For instance, high doses of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which work by generating oxidative stress to kill cancer cells.

Healthcare providers should be consulted before starting any supplement regimen, and evidence-based complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, can be considered to alleviate symptoms like nausea, pain, and anxiety, but should not be viewed as replacements for medical treatment.

Supermodel Elle Macpherson is known for her holistic approach to health, which includes a plant-based diet, hydration, and an emphasis on an “alkaline diet” to promote wellness and prevent illness. Her lifestyle choices, which emphasize eating anti-inflammatory foods and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, align with general wellness principles that can contribute to overall health. However, the specific claim that an alkaline diet can prevent or cure cancer is not supported by scientific evidence. 

This theory is based on the notion that cancer thrives in an acidic environment and that eating alkaline foods can alter the body’s pH to make it less hospitable for cancer cells. However, the body tightly regulates its pH levels, and diet has minimal impact on systemic pH. The pH levels within the body vary significantly between different organs, and altering the overall pH through diet is not feasible. The idea that dietary changes alone can influence cancer cell behavior is a myth.

While Macpherson’s focus on plant-based, nutrient-dense foods can be beneficial for general health and well-being, it cannot be seen as a replacement for conventional cancer treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. Her approach may complement traditional therapies by supporting the body’s overall health and reducing inflammation, but it is not a standalone cancer treatment.

Patients should consult with their healthcare teams before making any significant lifestyle or dietary changes during treatment. While approaches like Elle Macpherson’s holistic health philosophy can promote general well-being, they should not be considered as viable alternatives to proven medical treatments for breast cancer.

By Dr. Karishma Kirti, Consultant Breast Specialist and Oncoplastic Surgeon