NAFS expert Mel gives update about her colon cancer
The 52-year-old reality TV star was diagnosed last year
By Jade BiggsPublished: 05 January 2025
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Mel Schilling — best known for appearing on the Married At First Sight franchise as a relationship expert — has given an update on her health after being diagnosed with colon cancer last year.
Speaking exclusively to OK! magazine, the 52-year-old shared the happy news that she is now officially in remission, adding that she feels "strong and healthy".
"I was spending some time in Australia and went to see a local oncologist, who had my scans," she said of the moment she found out about being in remission. "He was so positive and told me the cancer was in remission, which was a surprise."
"When I was told I was in remission, it was like my shoulders dropped and I finally allowed myself to feel it," she said of the relief she felt. "It's like I'd been holding my breath for a year, telling myself, 'It's going to be OK, it's going to be OK' – and now I could finally just breathe."
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Mel continued: "My sister was there with me and we both just couldn't believe it. We went back home and popped open a bottle of champagne, while dancing around our apartment."
As for how the rest of her family reacted to the good news, Mel said she had support throughout from her husband Gareth Brisbane and their 10-year-old daughter — although, Mel explained she kept the full extent of her diagnosis from Maddie.
"Maddie understood enough, when I was having chemo and she knew I'd be very emotional in the days following it," she admitted. "I'd have a lot of tears and difficulty walking at times. So she was definitely aware."
Reflecting on what lead to the diagnosis, Mel previously revealed she had been experiencing severe stomach pain and was having difficulty eating and using the toilet. She was misdiagnosed twice as having constipation, but was ultimately given the news she had stage three colon cancer.
Although she continued to work on MAFS throughout her treatment for cancer, Mel told OK! she didn't feel quite herself on set, but now she is feeling happier, healthier and ready to make up for lost time.
"The new MAFS cast better watch out because I'm back, baby," she exclaimed.
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