We are deeply saddened to hear that Mel Schilling has passed away at the age of 54, just two weeks after bravely sharing that her cancer had spread to her brain. Her husband announced that she passed away “surrounded by love” following her courageous battle with colon cancer.

Beloved for her work as a relationship expert on Married At First Sight in both Australia and the UK, Mel was admired not only for her professional insight, but for her warmth, humour, and authenticity.

Mel had first been diagnosed in December 2023, when doctors discovered a tumour “the size of a lemon.” After surgery initially gave her hope, later scans revealed nodules in her lungs, and despite 16 rounds of chemotherapy, further testing confirmed the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain. Her oncology team told her there were no further treatment options.

Two weeks ago, she shared a devastating update on Instagram, saying her “light is starting to fade,” while expressing her determination to keep fighting, surrounded by the love of her husband Gareth and their daughter, Maddie. In that same post, Mel wrote the powerful words: “If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out.”

Mel’s powerful message mirrors the Jodi Lee Bowel Cancer Foundation’s own reminder to Australians to ‘trust your gut’ and speak with your GP if something doesn’t feel right.

Bowel cancer symptoms can be subtle, vary from person to person, and are often easy to dismiss or explain away – which is why Mel’s call to action is so important. Signs to look out for include persistent changes in your bowel habits (for more than two weeks), unexplained tiredness or weight loss, abdominal pain, bloating or gas that doesn’t resolve, a lump in your stomach or rectum, or noticing blood in your poo, on the toilet paper or in the toilet bowl.

Listening to your body, trusting your instincts, and acting early can save lives.
Learn more or check your symptoms at www.trustyourgut.org.au

Mel’s openness throughout her cancer journey helped countless people understand the importance of early detection. Even in her hardest moments, she remained committed to raising awareness and encouraging others to advocate for their health.

We also want to acknowledge that this news will be deeply triggering and upsetting for many in our community – for those currently living with bowel cancer, supporting a loved one through it, or grieving someone lost to the disease. Please know that we are holding all of you in our thoughts.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mel’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many people across Australia and around the world whose lives she touched with her strength, honesty, and compassion.

If you’ve noticed changes in your bowel habits or experience anything usual for you, please trust your gut – see your GP and ask to rule out bowel cancer.

To access our free symptom checker, visit: www.trustyourgut.org.au