MAFS's Mel Schilling shares two overlooked signs of cancer in heartbreaking health update
Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling has opened up about two symptoms she experienced before getting diagnosed with brain cancer.
Taking to Instagram to announce that her cancer had spread to her brain yesterday (12 March), the 54-year-old dating coach explained that she was first diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023, after a tumour 'the size of a lemon' was discovered during a scan.
It was later 'successfully removed' and she was given the 'all clear' but, unfortunately, Mel received some bad news in late February 2024.
"During a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs," she wrote in the caption. "The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant.
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"Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026.
"Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing."
The reality TV star then outlined two symptoms she later experienced, namely 'blinding headaches' and 'numbness down my right side'.
"Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side. After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do," Mel informed her fans.
The NHS explains that the symptoms of a malignant brain tumour (brain cancer) can vary depending on the type of tumour, where it is in the brain, what's causing it and how quickly it's growing.
Common symptoms may include:
- new headaches, or headaches that are getting worse – these usually happen with other symptoms
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) when moving suddenly – this usually happens with other symptoms
- fits (seizures)
- eye problems that are getting worse, such as blurred vision, seeing dots and lines or flashes of light, or not being able to see out of the corners of your eyes
- being very sleepy or fainting (losing consciousness)
- changes to behaviour or personality, such as problems with thinking and concentration
The National Brain Tumour Society adds that 'weakness, numbness, or loss of movement in one part or one side of the body' is also a common symptom.
She continued: "Hearing those words changes everything.
"So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love."
Mel shared that 'simple tasks have become incredibly difficult', adding: "I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people."
She then thanked her fans for their support and for sending her 'the most wonderful messages' throughout this journey.
"They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting," Mel wrote. "Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."
Rounding off the statement, she then urged her fans to get checked as soon as they notice 'something doesn't feel right'.
"If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life," she said, before sharing a special tribute to her husband, Gareth, and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie.
"These two beside me are my everything," she concluded. "With love and gratitude, Mel."
You can find out more about brain cancer on the official NHS website here.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Topics: Mel Schilling, Celebrity, Health, Married At First Sight, Reality TV, TV And Film, Cancer
Rhiannon Ingle