Married At First Sight dating expert Mel Schilling issues urgent warning after cancer diagnosis
It's been just over a month since Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling revealed the harrowing news that she'd been diagnosed with colon cancer.
The Australian TV star - famed for being one of the E4 dating show's much-loved relationship experts - broke the news on Instagram just before Christmas.
Opening up about how she and her family are handling the difficult news, Mel shared a snap at the time alongside her husband Gareth, 51, and their eight-year-old daughter Madison.
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"YOU HAVE CANCER," the MAFS UK star captioned the tear-jerking snap.
"Three little words that everyone dreads but no one ever expects to hear. Last Thursday my consultant told me those three words."
Mel went on to explain that she'd developed 'severe stomach cramps' on set when she was filming Down Under, but she put her pains down to excessive travelling, and her GP at the time put the cramps down to constipation.
She later became aware that something was seriously wrong, before being diagnosed with colon cancer after undergoing a scan in the UK.
And since receiving the life-changing health news, the love guru has made it her aim to raise awareness of this common form of cancer by sharing regular updates with her 193,000 followers.
Earlier today (16 Jan), the 52-year-old star took to social media following an appearance on ITV's This Morning to urge her fans to 'listen' to their bodies and to always seek medical attention if they suspect something is wrong.
Listing three top tips she has for her devoted fan-base, she penned in the Instagram caption: "Don’t gaslight yourself, you know your body better than anyone else."
She also encouraged her follows to inspect their waste regularly.
"If your bowel habits have changed ask your GP for a *Poo Test* (aka a FIT Test) it’s a quick, simple, painless test that will indicate any signs of bowel cancer," Mel continued.
When it came to her third and final piece of advice, the MAFS favourite added: "Prevention is better than a cure, so live the healthiest lifestyle you can."
According to the NHS, there are several tell-tale signs of bowel cancer that everyone should be aware of, and should visit a medical professional if they encounter them.
The first symptom to look out for is changes in your bowel movements - including having softer stools, diarrhoea or constipation.
Similarly, if you're needing to go for a No. 2 notably more or less often than usual, you should visit a doctor.
Blood in your stool - which can look either red or black - is also a common symptom of bowel cancer, as if bleeding from your bottom.
Another warning sign to look out for is tummy pain, which Mel describes as being the first symptom she picked up on.
Similarly, bloating, or losing weight without purposefully trying to, can both be key indicators of bowel cancer - as can feeling very tired for no apparent reason.
The NHS website encourages patients to visit a doctor if you've had 'any symptoms of bowel cancer for 3 weeks or more'.
"Try not to be embarrassed," the site reads. "The doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week
Topics: Celebrity, Health, Married At First Sight, Married At First Sight Australia, Mel Schilling
Rhianna Benson