Professor Richard Scolyer, renowned melanoma pathologist and former Australian of the Year, has revealed devastating news: his brain cancer has returned, and he has been estimated to have just three months to live. This prognosis follows an emotional interview with A Current Affair, where he shared details of his latest surgery, conducted on March 3, 2025, which uncovered the reemergence of his aggressive glioblastoma.
During his appearance, Scolyer expressed the complex emotions surrounding his health. “I feel sad,” he said, articulately conveying his love for life and his unwillingness to let go just yet. “I’m not ready to go yet. I love my life.” It’s been more than his medical career—the 58-year-old has cherished the time spent with his family, including wife Katie and their three children, Emily, 20, Matt, 19, and Lucy, 17.
Initially diagnosed with glioblastoma, one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, Scolyer had shown remarkable strength. After receiving news of only six to nine months to live when he first faced the disease, he opted for radical treatment strategies, including participating as a ‘human guinea pig’ for experimental therapies. By combining cutting-edge melanoma treatment approaches with immunotherapy, he fought his way to being cancer-free as recently as November 2024.
Despite reaching what seemed like medical triumph only months ago, the recent surgery revealed the cruel twist of fate: Scolyer discovered “quite a big mass” of regrown tumor within his brain, which could not be fully removed due to its infiltration of significant neural pathways. “The prognosis is not good for something like this,” he candidly stated, summarizing the harsh reality faced by many with such fatal diagnoses. “It’s in months, not years. It’s not unexpected, but it’s still devastating.”
Now, as Scolyer faces palliative care and potential chemotherapy discussions, he reflects on the incredible support he has received throughout his struggle—a tribute not just to his resilience but shared humanity. “I’ve been blown away by the amount of care, love, and respect from people reaching out and saying kind things,” he shared. More than ever, he prioritizes family time, striving to make the most of his remaining time.
The established theory of his treatment has now paved the way for futuristic clinical trials aimed at glioblastoma. Encouraging data from his experimental therapies have inspired plans for the world's first pre-surgery immunotherapy clinical trial, anticipated to start later this year, which could revolutionize the approach to brain cancer management.
With his battle gaining attention and empathy from tens of thousands who have followed his updates on social media, Scolyer remains committed to giving hope to others. “This is something worth pursuing more aggressively to prove whether or not it works. So I’m honestly very proud to have been part of this and contributed,” he said, expressing his urgent desire for this research to lead to significant breakthroughs.
“Of course, it’s cruel,” Scolyer added, acknowledging not only his circumstance but the universal unpredictability of life itself. His reflections encapsulate not just his personal story but resonate with powerful lessons for many: to appreciate every moment and remain hopeful for the future, no matter how uncertain.
On the brink of celebrating his father’s milestone 90th birthday, Scolyer contemplates the logistical challenges posed by his health, weighing the risks of flying against the wish to be there for his family. Though fraught with uncertainties, he continues to live actively. Just five days following his recent surgery, he walked his local five-kilometer Parkrun, marking the 236th event of his athletic pursuit.
The future remains uncertain, yet Scolyer honors the life he’s lived and his contributions toward his field. “Looking down the barrel of not being here much longer, I’ve loved the life I’ve lived and what I've contributed. So make the most of your time. You never know what’s around the corner,” he closes, leaving behind not just his achievements but hope for others walking similar paths.