“I’ve asked my family to continue to share my journey, even when I’m not able to do it well myself at time”- Professor Richard Scolyer Makes Heartbreaking Admission Amid Painful Brain Cancer Battle!
“I’ve asked my family to continue to share my journey, even when I’m not able to do it well myself at times…”
In a deeply emotional reflection, Professor Richard Scolyer has opened up about the past three years of his pɑinful bɑttle with brɑin cɑ:ncer — sharing what he has endured throughout the devɑstɑting journey, and revealing a heartbreaking admission about his current health condition that has left many moved and concerned…
Professor Richard Scolyer’s wife shares sad update in his brain cancer battle
Professor Richard Scolyer’s wife Dr Katie Nicholl has shared an update on his health as he continues to battle brain cancer.
The acclaimed melanoma expert and former Australian of the Year was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma in 2023 and was given months to live.
He has defied the odds for years now but wife Nicholl today confessed that his journey is growing more difficult.
Professor Richard Scolyer’s wife Dr Katie Nicholl (left) has been his constant support through this cancer journey. Instagram/@profrscolyer
“Things are steadily getting harder for Rich, and time with family and friends continues to be so important for us all,” she wrote on Scolyer’s Instagram account.
“I know we’re not alone in this journey and we appreciate everyone’s continued love and support.”
Nicholl signed off “Love Katie” and shared some recent photos of Scolyer smiling with friends and family.
The last picture showed him sharing a moment with his wife as they sat with their arms around one another.
Their daughter Emily Scolyer commented on the post, writing: “You and Dad are so strong! Love you Mum.”
Scolyer was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma about three years ago. Instagram/@profrscolyer
Nicholl’s comments today echo an update Scolyer shared in late April, when he revealed his cancer journey was “getting a bit tougher”.
“Particularly with my energy levels and some memory problems,” he wrote on Instagram at the time.
“But I’m still enjoying good times with family and friends.
“I’ve asked my family to continue to share my journey, even when I’m not able to do it well myself at times.
“Thanks for all the ongoing love and support.”
The last two posts shared to Scolyer’s Instagram page prior to Nicholl’s message today were signed off by her and Richard both.
Today marks one of the first authored by Nicholl alone.
Scolyer said he wasn’t expecting to be alive last Christmas, let alone this one. A Current Affair
In September 2025, 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 Scolyer’s honour due to his contribution to brain cancer research and advocacy.
Richard Scolyer says his brain cancer battle is getting closer to the end. (AAP: Lukas Coch)
Former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer says his battle with aggressive brain cancer is “getting closer” to an “end point”.
The renowned pathologist was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2023.
Despite being given just six to eight months to live, he managed to stave off the disease for almost two years with world-first experimental immunotherapy before the cancer returned earlier this year.
Speaking alongside Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Professor Scolyer described his health journey as “tough”.
“I had a great period after I was initially diagnosed and could enjoy life, but I’ve had a few recurrences of the tumour,” he said.
“I guess there’s an end point, and who knows how far it is away. But we’re definitely getting closer.”
Professor Scolyer made the comments as the federal government announced a position will be named in his honour at cancer treatment centre, The Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, in Sydney’s inner suburbs.
The Richard Scolyer Chair in Brain Cancer Research is aimed at speeding up research into the disease, along with expanding clinical trials and improving outcomes for patients.
$5.9 million of federal funding is being put towards establishing the role.
The centre in Camperdown is named after head and neck surgeon Chris O’Brien, who died following a three-year battle with an aggressive brain tumour.
Professor Scolyer recently finished City 2 Surf in two hours and 21 minutes. (ABC News)
Professor Scolyer said he had a “big impact” on his career.
“He mentored me, we researched together, we did a lot of things,” he said.
“For him to end up getting brain cancer and passing away from it, and then to follow in his footsteps many years down the track has been heartbreaking.”
Professor Scolyer was named the joint Australian of the Year alongside Georgina Long in 2024 for their research into advanced melanoma, which has been credited with significantly increasing the disease’s survival rates.
Richard Scolyer has battled the disease for two years. (Australian Story: Jack Fisher)
Mr Albanese said Professor Scolyer had doubts about the new Chair bearing his namesake, even in the minutes before the announcement was made.
“It really does say something about the humility of this extraordinary gentleman… that as late as just inside my office he was still saying ‘it shouldn’t really be named after me’.”
Professor Scolyer said the position’s name was less important than the potential it brings, to improve outcomes for those with the deadly disease.
“I want to make a difference for people, and I’ve dedicated my life to doing that…my name to it or not, that’s not where the difference happens.”
He said there were many challenges with brain cancer that couldn’t be addressed in the past but can potentially be tackled now.
“So I sincerely hope that’s what happens over the next few years.”