The National Breast Cancer Foundation’s statement on Elle MacPherson’s breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australian women, with 1 in 7 women diagnosed in their lifetime and about 21,000 people diagnosed each year.

Survival rates from breast cancer in Australia have continuously improved over the past 30 years due to advances in early detection and improvements in evidence-based treatments which are the result of rigorous scientific research.

At the National Breast Cancer Foundation, we recognise that every individual’s journey with breast cancer is deeply personal, and we respect the right of anyone diagnosed with breast cancer to make their own informed choices about their treatment and care. However, we also believe it is essential to provide clarity on the importance and value of evidence-based medicine.

Current conventional treatments are backed by rigorous scientific evidence, proven to improve survival rates and help reduce the risk of progression or recurrence of breast cancer. The treatments offered to people diagnosed with breast cancer are developed through years of dedicated research and have been shown to save lives.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer should seek referral to specialist breast cancer doctors who work in a multidisciplinary team. In this way they will receive whole person care and evidence-based treatment options tailored to their specific cancer type.

While personal choice is important, it is vital that treatment decisions are informed by credible, scientific evidence. Informed decision making should take into account the scientific evidence and potential benefits and the downsides of various treatment options.  Seeking a second opinion from a breast cancer specialist may also assist decision making.

Complementary therapies do not aim to cure cancer, but some therapies may be used with conventional medical treatments to support and enhance quality of life and wellbeing. There is currently no scientific evidence proving that alternative medicines can effectively treat breast cancer. We encourage people to openly discuss complementary or alternative therapies which they may be considering with their treatment team.

Research is essential to ensuring we have safe and effective treatments, and ultimately improving outcomes for breast cancer. The National Breast Cancer Foundation is committed to funding world-class research that brings us closer to achieving our vision of Zero Deaths from breast cancer.