Warning signs of bowel cancer in men vs women after MAFS Star Mel Schilling dies after diagnosis

The tragic news broke yesterday (24 March) that Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling has died at the age of just 54, following a bowel cancer diagnosis in 2023.

It came just weeks after the Australian relationship expert announced that, heartbreakingly, her cancer had spread, including to the left side of her brain, and that there was 'nothing further' doctors could do to treat it.

The 54-year-old dating coach first shared that her colon cancer was first discovered during a scan in December 2023 after doctors found a tumour 'the size of a lemon'.

Mel, who was best known for offering relationship advice on the hit Channel 4 reality dating show, died 'surrounded by love,' according to a statement penned by her husband, Gareth, with whom she shared a 10-year-old daughter, Maddie.

The emotional statement, which was shared on Mel's Instagram account, began with: "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."

Mel Schilling died after her colon cancer spread to her brain and lungs (Mike Marsland/Getty Images)

Prior to her death, Schilling had been vocal about her diagnosis and urged everyone to get checked as soon as they notice 'something doesn't feel right'.

Speaking specifically about how colon cancer can affect women, she said 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."

While symptoms of colon cancer in women and men are similar, there are some differences to be aware of.

While symptoms are mostly similar regardless of gender, there are a few differences to be aware of (Getty Stock Image)

Symptoms of colon cancer

As mentioned, the symptoms of colon cancer are mostly the same regardless of gender.

As per the NHS, these are:

• Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
• Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
• Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
• Bleeding from your bottom
• Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've just been to the toilet
• Tummy pain
• A lump in your tummy
• Bloating
• Losing weight without trying
• Feeling very tired or short of breath – these are signs of anaemia, which can be caused by bowel cancer

Research suggests that men are more likely to develop tumours on the left side of the colon (Getty Stock Image)

Symptoms of colon cancer in men vs women

However, as outlined by Nevada Surgery, studies have suggested that men are more likely to develop tumors on the left side of the colon, which often produce noticeable symptoms earlier.

Women, on the other hand, are more prone to right‑sided colon cancers, which can be more difficult to diagnose because they don’t always come with obvious signs like rectal bleeding.

Instead, women can experience more vague symptoms such as fatigue, anemia, or abdominal discomfort, which can easily be mistaken for something else.

Because the symptoms women have can be subtle, diagnosis sometimes happens later, which is why raising awareness is so important.

Moffitt Cancer Center has outlined symptoms of the disease that women specifically may experience.

The experts explained: "While colon cancer symptoms are generally similar for men and women, women may sometimes overlook symptoms as they are similar to those experienced during menstruation, menopause, or common gastrointestinal issues."

These are some of the potential warning signs for women:

• Abdominal discomfort: Persistent cramping, bloating, or abdominal pain that does not coincide with the menstrual cycle
• Changes in bowel habits: Irregular bowel movements, constipation, or diarrhoea that lasts more than a few days should not be dismissed
• Unexplained fatigue: Feeling more tired or lethargic than usual without an obvious cause could signal an underlying issue, including colon cancer
• Bleeding from the rectum or blood in stool: This is never normal and should be checked out
• Unexplained weight loss: If you’re losing weight without trying or noticing a decrease in appetite, this could be a 'red flag' for the disease

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.