Mel Schilling, a Married at First Sight star, has passed away at 54 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. She was diagnosed in 2023 after experiencing intense stomach cramps while filming in Australia.
Despite undergoing chemotherapy and a clinical trial, the cancer had spread to her lungs, brain, and other parts of her body, leaving doctors with no further options.
Schilling's story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of seeking medical attention for concerning symptoms without delay.
Bowel cancer is the second most lethal cancer in the UK, with nearly 44,000 people diagnosed annually, and most cases are identified in people over 50.
Symptoms to watch out for include bleeding from the rectum, blood in stool, changes in bowel habits, diarrhea or constipation, unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and discomfort or a mass in the abdomen.
Schilling's initial symptoms were dismissed as constipation, but a scan revealed a tumour the size of a lemon in her colon, which was later excised through keyhole surgery.
Her story highlights the need to be proactive about health and not hesitate to seek medical attention for concerning symptoms.
