Symptoms of colon cancer explained after Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling says ‘light is starting to fade’

All the main symptoms of bowel cancer have been highlighted by experts after Mel Schilling's shocking diagnosis announcement.

The Married At First Sight (MAFS) star gave fans an emotional update on her cancer battle.

Taking to social media, the 54-year-old admitted that she doesn't 'know how long I have left', admitting there is nothing mote that doctors can do as the cancer has metastasised to her brain.

The Australian dating coach was a regular on the show since its launch in 2015, and she has now officially 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 stepping in to cover her.

The broadcaster also published a heartfelt statement to Mel and her loved ones.

Schilling said that her 'light is starting to fade' (Channel 4)

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.

But what are the symptoms of bowel/colon cancer that you should look out for, considering an early screening could make all the difference?

Main symptoms of bowel cancer

The NHS explain that there are 10 signs which you should keep tabs on and they are the following:

• Needing to poo 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
• Tummy pain
• Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you've been to the toilet
• A lump in your tummy
• Losing weight without trying
• Bloating
• Feeling very tired or short of breath, which can signal anaemia - a condition possibly caused by bowel cancer.

There is not much that can be done for Schilling as the cancer has spread to her brain (Getty Stock Image)

What did Schilling say?

Taking to Instagram, she announced: "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 start to expertience '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."