Earlier this week, Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling shared a new update with fans about her cancer diagnosis, revealing that the bowel cancer first found in 2023 has since spread.
Mel, 52, previously learned she had cancer after a CT scan identified a tumour in her colon described as being the ‘size of a lemon’. She underwent surgery to remove the tumour and was later told she was cancer-free.
However, she has now explained that the disease returned, with cancer later detected in her lungs in 2024, and more recently in her brain.
“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,” Mel explained.
“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.
“Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side. 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.”
She added that she feels her “light is starting to fade”, saying the news has been life-altering.
“Hearing those words changes everything.
“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.”
In the wake of Schilling’s announcement, medical professionals have been reiterating some of the early symptoms of bowel cancer that people should take seriously.
Dr Robin Clark, medical director for Bupa Global and UK, told Metro that anyone noticing blood in their stool without a clear explanation should book an appointment with a GP. He noted that blood can appear in different ways — any colour, on the surface or mixed in — and it may only be visible in the toilet bowl. In some cases, blood can also make stool look black.
He also urged people to pay attention to ongoing changes in bowel habits. This can include going to the toilet more or less often than usual, feeling like the bowel hasn’t fully emptied, or seeing a persistent shift in stool consistency, such as looser or harder motions.
Other symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored include ongoing abdominal pain, unexpected weight loss, and fatigue that doesn’t have an obvious cause.