Australian of the Year Professor Richard Scolyer reveals heartbreaking update on cancer progression

Former Australian of the Year and world-leading pathologist Professor Richard Scolyer has announced a heartbreaking update on his battle with brain cancer, while sharing an uplifting message that it is “not the end of the road”.

On Tuesday night, Professor Richard Scolyer took to his blog on Facebook, My Uncertain Path, to share some challenging news with his friends and fans.

He wrote there “seems to be further progression of my brain tumour (glioblastoma) affecting brain functioning (as me and a few close friends can feel/see)” following another brain scan.

The beloved professor, who was jointly awarded Australian of the year in 2024 with his research partner and Melanoma Institute Australia co-director Georgina Long, was first diagnosed with the aggressive tumour back in 2023.

He was given just eight months to live but was among the first patients to undergo an experimental treatment for his “incurable” cancer - a fast-growing and highly aggressive cancer of the brain or spinal cord for which “basically no one is cured.”

In February last year, he announced the cancer had returned and underwent an experimental surgery in March to remove as much of the tumour as possible; however, some of the mass remained.

Professor Scolyer became the world’s first ever brain cancer patient to have combined immunotherapy pre-surgery in the hopes of understanding brain cancer.

Despite his harrowing health journey, Professor Scolyer said he was ever one to shy away from challenges as he shared inspiring pictures in the hospital hugging and smiling.

“While it is a bit disappointing, in the big picture it’s not the end of the road and I’ve got more to do! I certainly haven’t stopped yet.” the 59-year-old wrote.

“Hopefully I can share more special times with family and friends, and continue to advocate for cancer patients.”