Renowned melanoma specialist and former Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer, has provided an update on his health as he continues to battle brain cancer, revealing that his journey has become “a bit tougher”. At 59 years old, Scolyer was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma in 2023 and was initially given just months to live, yet he has managed to defy these bleak predictions.
In collaboration with Professor Georgina Long, Scolyer has made significant contributions to immunotherapy research, fundamentally changing melanoma treatment protocols. Remarkably, this innovative treatment was also applied to his brain cancer until its recurrence in February of the previous year.
Recently, Scolyer shared via Instagram that he has been facing increasing challenges, especially regarding his energy levels and some memory issues. Despite these struggles, he expressed gratitude for the good moments he still shares with family and friends and requested that his loved ones continue to document his journey, even during difficult times. He thanked his supporters for their ongoing love and encouragement.
Scolyer remains committed to his passions, prioritising time with close family and friends even amid adversity. In recognition of his work and advocacy, the Australian government allocated $5.9 million in September 2022 to establish the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. This initiative aims to fund the professorial role, alongside postdoctoral and research positions, as well as PhD scholarships, significantly bolstering brain cancer research in honour of Scolyer’s contributions.