'Nothing further they can do': Mel Schilling shares devastating cancer update

Mel Schilling has announced a devastating health update, sharing that her cancer has spread to her brain. Her oncology team have told her there is "nothing further they can do".

"My light is starting to fade – and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love," Schilling, 54, shared in a heart-wrenching post.

Schilling shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo showing her being embraced by her husband Gareth Brisbane and their daughter Maddie.

She writes: "In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. 'Terry,' as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear – that much many of you already know.

"Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant.

"Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026.

"Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.

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"Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side.

"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.

"Hearing those words changes everything.

"So that's where I am now. My light is starting to fade –and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.

"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.

"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. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

"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.

"These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mel."

A Channel 9 spokesperson said: "The entire Nine family is deeply saddened by the news regarding Mel Schilling's health. She is a woman of extraordinary depth, kindness, and an unshakeable spirit.

"Mel's honesty and her ability to face life's hardest moments with such strength and openness is something we admire.

"She isn't just a colleague; she is family. Our thoughts, love, and strength are with Mel, her husband Gareth, and her daughter Maddie during this incredibly difficult time.

"Mel, we are all behind you."

Schilling had previously spoken out about her battle with colon cancer, having been diagnosed and undergoing treatment in 2023.

"I was guilty of ignoring my body, that's for sure," she told nine.com.au at the time.

"As all busy people know, we often make the mistake of prioritising our work or other projects ahead of our health and I thought my symptoms were just a result of managing multiple projects and international travel.

"I had extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, complete loss of appetite, prolonged constipation and eventually, the most extreme abdominal pain (looking back, it was on par with contractions during childbirth). I put it all down to a big, busy year and thought I just needed a rest."

She said her experience with cancer "changed everything".

"I no longer have the time or tolerance for things that are not going to enhance my life or that of my family," Mel said.

"Being faced with the prospect that my life could be shortened, I now put my energy into making the most of every moment, experience, relationship or project."

Schilling has been a part of MAFS Australia since it launched in 2015. She also joined the UK version of the show for the past few seasons.

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