Warning signs of colon cancer as MAFS star Mel Schilling dies aged 54 following diagnosis
Married At First Sight star Mel Schillings tragically died at the age of just 54, following her cancer diagnosis in 2023.
The relationship expert was originally diagnosed with colon cancer, after a scan revealed 'a tumour the size of a lemon'.
The star explained that the tumour was 'successfully removed', and she was given the all clear.
Tragically, she later experienced severe headaches and numbness on one side, and tests revealed the cancer had metastasised to her lungs and brain.
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Metastatic cancer is sometimes referred to as secondary cancer, and the NHS describes it as cancer that has moved elsewhere in the body.
She underwent a gruelling 16 rounds of chemotherapy.
Earlier this month, Schilling shared the news on Instagram: "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."
Schilling initially started to suspect something was wrong, prior to her initial diagnosis, while she was filming MAFS in Australia.
The expert said she started to experience stomach discomfort, but doctors said it was either constipation or fatigue.
Speaking on Lorraine last year, she said: "I hadn’t been to the toilet in three weeks by the time it became acute, and I somehow managed to ignore that.
"Particularly as women, if we have symptoms in the abdominal region generally we say 'I’ve got to toughen up - that’s something to do with my cycle."
"Or, 'It’s a hormonal issue', and we’ve grown up knowing every month we have pain and we just have to get on with it. So we have that tendency to grin and bear it and I think there is a flow there to the medical profession where they are very quick to dismiss a woman with pain."
Her husband Gareth sadly confirmed her death with an emotional tribute on Instagram.
Symptoms of colon cancer
According to the NHS, these are the warning signs to be aware of when it comes to colon cancer, which is a type of bowel cancer.
- Changes in poo, whether that's softer poo, diarrhoea, or constipation
- Changes in frequency - needing to poo more or less often than usual
- Blood in stool. This could show up either black or red in your poo
- Bleeding from your bottom
- Frequently feeling like you need to poo, even if you have just been
- Stomach pain
- A lump in the stomach
- Bloating
- Losing weight without trying
- Feeling tired or short of breath, which could be anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer.
The NHS advises if you have been experiencing any of the above symptoms for three weeks or more, you should see a GP.
They urge: "Try not to be embarrassed. The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms."
Mel Schilling's husband's emotional tribute in full
"Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
"In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.
"This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.
"This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.
"To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.
"On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.
"I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.
"To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it.
"To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.
"And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel’s podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.
"Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.
"I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.
"Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again."
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: Bowel cancer, Cancer, Married At First Sight, Married At First Sight Australia, Married at First Sight UK, Health, NHS
Jen Thomas