Warning: This article contains discussion of cancer which some readers may find distressing.
All the main symptoms of bowel cancer have been highlighted as Mel Schilling shared a heartbreaking announcement about her diagnosis.
On Thursday (12 March), the Married At First Sight (MAFS) star gave fans an emotional update on her health.
Taking to social media, the 54-year-old admitted that she doesn't 'know how long I have left', adding there is 'nothing further' doctors can do as her cancer has metastasised to her brain.
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The Australian dating coach has been a regular on the show since 2015 and announced that she will be stepping down from MAFS and focusing on spending more time with her family.
Having featured in 12 seasons for MAFS Australia and five seasons for MAFS UK, it has been confirmed by Channel 4 that expert John Aiken will be taking over from Schilling.
The broadcaster also published a heartfelt statement to Schilling and her loved ones.
The TV personality explained that she was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 after discovering a lump, but after having it removed and being told it was nothing to worry about, a routine scan the following year showed that it was not only back, but that it had spread to her brain.
At this point, there wasn't much that health experts could do.
What are the main symptoms of bowel cancer?
The NHS explains that there are 10 signs which you should keep tabs on:
- 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
The health service notes that 'some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions'.
"Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have bowel cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP," the NHS adds.
Mel Schilling's latest cancer update
Taking to Instagram, Schilling wrote: "In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. 'Terry,' as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear — that much many of you already know.
"Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant. 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."
Schilling then started to experience 'blinding headaches and numbness down my right side' over Christmas, with tests revealing that the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain.
"Despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do. Hearing those words changes everything," she admitted.
Schilling went on: "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. Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and 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 also thanked fans for their support, concluding: "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."
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: Married At First Sight, Bowel cancer, Health, TV, Celebrity
Joshua Nair