Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling has died aged 54 after battling colon cancer, her husband confirmed on Instagram. Initially diagnosed in December 2023, she was given the all-clear but later learned the cancer had spread to her lungs and brain. Despite chemotherapy and radiotherapy, doctors said there was nothing further they could do.
Schilling urged her followers: 'If something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.' She admitted ignoring early signs, not realising they pointed to something serious. Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, with over 42,000 cases each year, and cases in younger adults are rising.
Consultant surgeon Mr Jeremy Clark highlights six key symptoms often ignored. Blood in stools—whether dark black or bright red—should be reported, especially if persistent. A change in bowel habits, such as increased frequency, looser stools, or constipation lasting more than two weeks, also warrants medical attention.
Schilling noted that women often dismiss abdominal symptoms as menstrual issues. She recalled not having a bowel movement for three weeks but ignoring it. Experts stress that early detection through screening can make colon cancer highly treatable.
