Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling has died of bowel cancer at the age of 54. The reality TV personality was diagnosed in 2023 and earlier this month revealed the cancer had spread to her lungs and brain.
Bowel cancer is the UK's fourth most common cancer, with around 17,700 deaths annually. While typical symptoms include bleeding from the bottom, blood in poo, or a change in bowel habits, experts warn that three other signs are often overlooked.
According to Bowel Cancer UK, unexplained weight loss, persistent tiredness (fatigue), and a painful or bloated stomach can also indicate the disease. The charity advises seeing a GP if you experience any of these symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to the bowel.
The charity's chief executive, Genevieve Edwards, praised Schilling for raising awareness and said: “Her courage in speaking openly about bowel cancer... has already made a profound difference.”
Mel Schilling's openness encouraged people to listen to their bodies and contact their GP if something felt wrong. Bowel Cancer UK emphasised that early detection is crucial and urged anyone with possible symptoms to request an at-home test from their GP.
