16-05-2025
Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer's defiant message after disturbing MRI find - as he celebrates a major family milestone
Globally-renowned cancer researcher Professor Richard Scolyer has issued a defiant message as he battles an extremely aggressive brain tumour.
The 2024 Australian of the Year, 58, was diagnosed with an 'incurable' grade four brain cancer in June 2023 after he suffered headaches and seizures while on holiday.
It appeared as if he had beaten it after he experienced no signs of cancer recurrence for almost two years following a trial of experimental treatment developed by his colleague and joint Australian of the Year recipient, Professor Georgia Long.
However, the tumour returned in March and he was given just months to live.
But Prof Scolyer is refusing to take the grim news lying down, maintaining a positive outlook and enjoying major milestones with his family.
The father-of-three revealed on Friday that a 'recent MRI brain scan shows the recurrent tumour is still there, and it's getting tougher to treat'.
'But I'm not ready to give up on it yet,' he added.
'I feel lucky to have a team of family, friends & medical team supporting me. Thanks everyone for your support.'
Professor Richard Scolyer, the 2024 Australian of the Year, was diagnosed with an 'incurable' grade four brain cancer in June 2023 after he suffered headaches and seizures on holiday
His inspirational post was flooded with well-wishers, who thanked him for his bravery and labelled him a 'hero'.
'They are fighting words - your courage is an inspiration, Richard,' one wrote.
'You give hope to all and we stand with you in support for the fight ahead.'
It comes just days after Prof Scolyer celebrated his eldest daughter, Emily's, 21st birthday.
'It was so nice to catch up with friends and family to celebrate her,' he wrote on Facebook.
'She is an amazing daughter & we love her so much!'
The melanoma expert has been praised for his openness and bravery in documenting his cancer journey.
In an emotional interview with Ally Langdon on A Current Affair in March, Prof Scolyer said he was 'not ready to go yet'.
'It's not fair, but there's a lesson for everyone… make the most of every day because you don't know what's around the corner,' he added.
Professor Scolyer had initially been diagnosed with a glioblastoma, which has a particularly aggressive nature with most sufferers survive less than a year.
The bulk of the tumour was stripped shortly after the diagnosis.
There followed a series of experimental therapies based on melanoma research, including immunotherapy and 'debulking' surgery.
Last May, the University of Sydney professor declared that he'd had no sign of cancer recurrence for nearly 12 months.
But five months later, the decorated scientist revealed an MRI had shown an area of concern. He underwent exploratory surgery which confirmed the cancer had returned.
The 2021 Order of Australia recipient remains philosophical about his journey, stating that he 'just wants to make a difference'.
He is a prolific author having penned more than 700 publications and book chapters on melanoma pathology, which garnered him a reputation as one of the world's leading experts in the field.
According to the Royal Australian College of Pathologists, Professor Scolyer and Professor Long's work on melanoma treatment has 'saved thousands of lives'.
'Devising this world-first experimental treatment for my type of brain cancer was bold,' Professor Scolyer said during his Australian of the Year speech last year.
'For me, the decision to take on Georgina's ground-breaking plan was a no-brainer. Here was an opportunity for us to crack another incurable cancer and make a difference. If not for me, then for others.'
