Mel SchillingThe Married at First Sight (MAFS) star and relationship expert passed away at the age of 54 in 2023 after being diagnosed with colon cancer.
Mel was heartbreakingly diagnosed with bowel cancer after suffering severe stomach cramps while filming the Australian version of the romance series.
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When Mel Schilling told us there were no further treatments for bowel cancer
two weeks ago, Mel Schilling In an Instagram post, she revealed that after a period of time in remission from her cancer, she was told on Christmas Day that doctors had no further treatment options.
“I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I know I will fight until my last breath and be surrounded by the love and support of my people,” she said.
She urged her followers to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms.
“If I can leave you with one thing, it’s this: If something doesn’t feel right, get it checked out, it might save your life,” she added.
Bowel cancer and toilet habits
Nearly 44,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with bowel cancer, which is part of the digestive system, every year. This cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the UK, killing 16,500 people every year.
Most cases occur in people over 50 years old. However, younger patients are increasingly at risk.
Bowel cancer can affect your toileting habits, and many people may be reluctant to discuss this topic with their healthcare provider.
It is important to remember that medical professionals have experienced these problems before and are advised to assess any associated symptoms as soon as possible.
These symptoms include rectal bleeding, blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation, and unexplained weight loss. Persistent fatigue and discomfort or a lump in the abdomen with no clear cause.
Mel Schilling The first symptoms of bowel cancer
Schilling revealed her cancer diagnosis in December 2023 via a social media post, in which the Married at First Sight star detailed the initial symptoms that prompted her to see a doctor.
- While filming in Australia, she experienced severe stomach cramps on set. She visited her Sydney GP, who diagnosed constipation and prescribed laxatives.
- However, she arranged to have a scan on her return to the UK. She later learned she had colon cancer, a moment that changed her life. She was then admitted to hospital where a “lemon-sized” tumor was removed from her colon.
- She said the tumor could have been fatal if “undetected for an extended period of time” and later provided an update indicating that keyhole surgery to remove the tumor had been successful and that her next step was three months of chemotherapy.
- After a “routine scan”, doctors then told her the cancer had metastasized to her lungs. In a message written a week before her death, Mel mentioned that she had undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy and had been previously informed that she was eligible for a “groundbreaking clinical trial” that would begin in March 2026.
- She began experiencing severe headaches and numbness on her right side and was told the cancer had also spread to her brain, leaving doctors with no choice.
“My glow started to fade — and fast. But I’m still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love,” she said.
“Simple tasks became incredibly difficult and I relied on my beautiful family to take care of me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left to live, but I know I will fight until my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.”
