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MAFS star Mel Schilling says 'light is starting to fade' in cancer update as symptoms explained
Mel Schilling has shared a devastating update on her cancer battle, revealing her oncology team has told her "there's nothing further they can do" after the disease spread to the left side of her brain. The 54-year-old, best known for Married at First Sight in Australia and the UK, said the news came after radiotherapy sessions failed to stop the cancer.
Schilling was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023. She later told followers she had surgery to remove a 5-centimeter tumor and had initially been given the all-clear. But in late February 2024, a routine scan found small nodules in her lungs, with the cancer then metastasizing. She has since undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy and said she had been due to start a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to her gene type in March 2026.
In her latest update, Schilling said her condition worsened over Christmas when she began suffering "blinding headaches and numbness" down one side of her body. Further tests then showed the cancer had spread to her brain. She said: "Hearing those words changes everything."
The warning signs were first brushed off
Schilling had experienced severe stomach cramps while filming Married at First Sight in Australia before her diagnosis. She was misdiagnosed on two occasions, with one doctor suggesting she was dealing with constipation or was tired.
After returning to the UK and having a scan, she was told she had colon cancer. Schilling named her tumor Terry before it was removed during surgery. Her health then deteriorated again over Christmas, when fresh symptoms began to appear.
Schilling wrote: "After many tests, I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do."
Everyday life has become harder
Schilling said the illness is now affecting even the most basic parts of daily life. She told her followers: " My light is starting to fade... Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult, and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don't know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people."
She also thanked those who have supported her since the start of her treatment. In the same post, she wrote: "At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I've needed to keep fighting."
Last month, Schilling announced she was stepping away from the Australian version of Married at First Sight to prioritize her family and health. Her co-star John Aiken had called it a "privilege to experience all [the show] this with such a beautiful human being", and after her latest post, he added that he was "devastated" and wrote: "I'm hugging you now, and I'm not letting go."
Stars and fans rally around Mel
Following Schilling's announcement, messages of support flooded in from famous friends and fans. Kerry Katona wrote: "Sending you so much strength and love." Harriet Rose posted: "You are so wonderful Mel. I am so sorry to hear this and I'm sending you all the love." Celebs Go Dating's Anna Williamson added: "Mel, I am sending you so SO much love."
Vicky Pattison also commented: "My brave, beautiful and strong woman... I am so, so sorry. Sending all my love and prayers to you and your family." Lauren Cowell wrote: "I don't even know you but I'm crying for you. I am so very sorry for you and your family. I pray somehow you can beat this and be ok. Sending you so much love and light."
Schilling ended her message with a plea for people to listen to their bodies and act quickly if something feels off. She said: "If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn't feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life."