Doctor shares early bowel cancer symptom many people ignore as MAFS star Mel Schilling dies aged 53

Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.

A doctor has revealed a key symptom of bowel cancer which is often overlooked by people who may not know that they have the disease.

Following tragic news of the death of Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling today (24 March), experts have spoken out about the symptoms surrounding the disease.

Just 53, Schilling said she was 'surrounded by love' at the end of her life, with the TV icon first speaking about her cancer diagnosis in December 2023 on social media.

The dating coach admitted that things progressed quickly after suffering from severe stomach cramps on set, with her GP first diagnosing it as constipation, before a scan in the UK revealed that she had colon cancer.

She said that 'in an instant my whole life changed', with the 5cm tumour being 'the size of a lemon' as it likely would've been fatal if it had 'gone undetected for much longer'.

Schilling admitted her 'light is starting to fade' in the week before her death after going through 16 rounds of chemotherapy, and that she was set to be part of a 'groundbreaking clinical trial' this year.

But with the condition spreading to her brain, doctors were left helpless after she tried to fight her symptoms.

Doctor's advice on important bowel cancer symptom

Dr Asiya Maula, private GP at The Health Suite, highlighted how rapidly the condition can develop, highlighting that an overlooked early sign is a change in bowel habits i.e. going to the toilet more or less frequently than you're used to.

Many can dismiss these changes as an effect of diet, stress, or a temporary stomach issue.

“People tend to normalise it or wait for it to pass, especially if they feel otherwise well,” Dr Maula pointed out, adding: “But anything that persists for several weeks should always be checked.”

The doctor said that this 'low-level' change can take place over time, making it harder to identify and therefore ignore, which some experts say is why bowel cancer is sometimes diagnosed in its later stages.

Dr Maula warned people not to panic and keep tabs on changes which won't go away, explaining: “Most of these symptoms will have harmless explanations, but it’s the persistence that matters.”

“When bowel cancer is caught early, outcomes are significantly better, which is why recognising these quieter warning signs is so important,” she added.

There are over 42,000 new cases of bowel cancer in the UK every year, as risk typically increases in age, despite cases in younger adults rising over the years.

Lifestyle factors such as diet and low physical activity can play a part, as doctors have urged people to look for patterns instead of one-off symptoms.

10 key symptoms of bowel cancer

According to the NHS, these are the 10 signs to look out for when it comes to bowel cancer:

• Needing to poop more or less often than usual
• Changes in your stool, such as it being softer, or having diarrhoea or constipation that is not normal for you
• Blood in your stool, which can appear red or black
• Bleeding from your bottom
• Pain in your tummy
• Feeling like you need to poo, even if you've been
• A lump in your tummy
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bloating
• Feeling very tired or short of breath, which can signal anaemia - a condition possibly caused by bowel cancer

E4 leads tributes to the 'wonderful' Mel Schilling

Since the news of her passing, tributes have been flooding in for the reality star. Here are just some of the emotional tributes to Mel.

E4

Channel 4's affiliate that airs MAFS said in a statement: "All of us at Channel 4 are incredibly saddened by the news of Mel’s death. Our thoughts and condolences are, first and foremost, with her family and loved ones.

"We’re privileged to be the channel that is home to Mel’s work, which was at the heart of Married at First Sight’s phenomenal success, both in the UK and Australia. It reflected so much about her – her fierce advocacy for other women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love.

"Just as importantly, we’d like to pay tribute to Mel as a person. For many who work for Channel 4, Mel was not just a colleague but a friend, someone who radiated joy, warmth and optimism, who energised every room she walked into with humour and positivity.

"Everyone who knew her will miss all this about her and much more. We share in the sorrow that we’re sure many viewers will now feel at this terrible loss."

Married At First Sight

The official MAFS Australia Instagram page paid a touching tribute to Mel, who worked as a relationship coach on the reality show since 2016, penning on behalf of Michael Healy, Nine’s Executive Director - Entertainment, Streaming & Broadcasting: "All of us at Nine are deeply saddened by the loss of Mel Schilling.

"Mel was a wonderful colleague and friend. She had a gift for connecting with people and helping them navigate life’s challenges. For years, she guided us through the complexities of the human heart with wisdom, honesty, and kindness.

"Mel was a big part of our family, and she will be greatly missed. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with her husband Gareth, their daughter Maddie and her entire family during this incredibly difficult time."

Charlene Douglas

Charlene, a fellow MAFS expert, posted an emotional tribute to her friend on Instagram, writing: "I’m both devastated and heartbroken to hear of the passing of my MAFS queen and friend Mel.

"I had the pleasure of spending time with Mel in her last days and will forever treasure the laughter, the memories and love we had for each other.

"Mel’s love for life, jokes and of course dancing will forever stay in my heart. What I wouldn’t give to be dancing to Beyoncé with you right now. Sleep in perfect peace Mel. Love you."

Paul C Brunson

Another fellow MAFS expert, Brunson shared an emotional monologue on Instagram for Mel, saying: "Mel was tough. A straight talker. Strong in every sense. But when she spoke about her daughter Maddie... and her husband Gareth... everything softened. Her voice changed. Her energy shifted.

"There was a gentleness and tenderness. A deep, deep love. That's something I'll never forget.

"Mel showed us what it means to live your values. To choose people. To show up with strength, even when it's hard. To stand for something. To never give up on yourself. And to love deeply.

"She was present. She was powerful. She was full of heart. She will be deeply loved. And profoundly missed."

Alessandra Rampolla

The sexologist who has worked alongside Mel on MAFS posted a touching tribute on Instagram, which read: "I am struggling to find the words, because none of them feel big enough for what I feel right now. My heart is shattered.

"I feel so incredibly grateful for the time we shared last week… to look you in the eyes, to hold your hand, and to say the things that truly mattered. That is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

"You were so much more than a colleague. You were a constant, a guiding force, and to me, someone I admired and learned from — like a big sister, a woman of immense heart, wisdom, and generosity.

"You welcomed me from the very beginning and made me feel at home in a space that could have felt overwhelming, always kind and generous with your light. That is who you were."

She concluded: "You will be deeply, deeply missed… but never forgotten, Chica. Holding Gareth, Maddie, and your beautiful family forever in my heart."

Alison Hammond

Commenting on E4's Instagram post dedicated to Mel, the This Morning presenter - who was friends with Mel - typed: "Condolences to her family. A massive loss. RIP my friend."

Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley

While presenting This Morning, the pair shared the news of Mel's passing live on air, with Ben saying: "It's time for our phone in now, but we've just had some really devastating news about someone who has sat alongside us and taken many of your phone calls over the years."

Cat added: "Mel Schilling, who you'll know from Married at First Sight, sadly passed away earlier today at the age of 54, following a battle with cancer," before the pair sent their love to her family.

Lucinda Light

Lucinda, who is arguably one of MAFS Australia's most memorable contestants, took to Instagram to write: "Beautiful @mel_schilling1 passed away peacefully today surrounded by so much love. It’s hard to put into words how sad this is.

"Sending love to her beautiful family - particularly Gareth and Maddie and all those who were close to her. RIP divine lady ~ you’ll be incredibly missed from planet earth."