Former Australian of the Year shares health update in battle with brain cancer

Acclaimed m-elanoma expert and former Australian of the Year professor Richard Scolyer has shared a health update in his battle against brain cancer, saying his condition is getting “a bit tougher”.

Scolyer, 59, was diagnosed with grade 4 glioblastoma in 2023 and given months to live.

Despite his prognosis, he managed to defy the odds.

Scolyer and his colleague, Professor Georgina Long, pioneered immunotherapy research and transformed the way melanoma is treated.

In a world first, the same treatment was used to treat his brain cancer until the cancer returned in February last year.

Scoyler told supporters yesterday that things have “got a little bit tougher” in the past month.

“Especially with my energy levels and some memory issues,” he said on Instagram.

“But I still enjoy good times with family and friends.

“I’ve asked my family to continue sharing my journey, even if sometimes I can’t do it right myself.

“Thank you for all the continued love and support.”

Despite the ups and downs, Scolyer hasn’t stopped doing what he loves.

He has prioritized spending time with his family and friends

Last September, the federal government committed $5.9 million to establish the Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

The program was named in honor of Scolyer for his contributions to brain cancer research and advocacy.

The funding will be used to support the salaries of the chair, postdoctoral fellows, research assistants and PhD fellowships, along with research costs.

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