A dedicated doctor. A devastating diagnosis. A chance for a medical revolution
Revealing his fight against a diagnosis of 'incurable' brain cancer, this is the remarkable story of 2024 co-Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer.
Skin cancer is this country's most common cancer, and melanoma the deadliest form of it. Richard, together with his colleagues at Melanoma Institute Australia, has dedicated years to groundbreaking research and succeeded in transforming even the most advanced forms of melanoma into a largely curable disease, bringing hope and healing to many.
Then in 2023, at the peak of his life, Richard was diagnosed with brain cancer.
As an internationally respected leading clinician and researcher, Richard was never going to accept the status quo-a medical approach unchanged in nearly two decades and an expectation of little more than a year to live. He instead chose to undertake world-first experimental treatment based on melanoma science.
His brave decision could shorten his life or save it-the only certainty is that it will advance scientific understanding and ultimately help save the lives of others.
'Whether Richard Scolyer has three weeks or thirty years left, his story is a testament to the power of living with boldness, hope and a sense of possibility. Richard Scolyer gives us all hope, not only that we could one day find a cure for brain cancer but also that when life deals us a terrible hand it's possible to respond with boldness and generosity.' - Leigh Sales
'Passionate about his family and his work, an outstanding medical researcher and mentor always seeking to help others, Richard Scolyer is facing the greatest challenge of his life with courage and characteristic determination, inspiring the nation.' - Emeritus Professor John Thompson AO, Melanoma Institute Australia
Short-listed for Biography Book of the Year 2025 (Australia) Short-listed for Australian Book Industry Awards 2025 (Australia)
Whether Richard Scolyer has three weeks or thirty years left, his story is a testament to the power of living with boldness, hope and a sense of possibility. Richard Scolyer gives us all hope, not only that we could one day find a cure for brain cancer but also that when life deals us a terrible hand it's possible to respond with boldness and generosity. Leigh Sales
Passionate about his family and his work, an outstanding medical researcher and mentor always seeking to help others, Richard Scolyer is facing the greatest challenge of his life with courage and characteristic determination, inspiring the nation. Emeritus Professor John Thompson AO, Melanoma Institute Australia
Professor Richard Scolyer AO is a Medical Director of Melanoma Institute Australia, shared with his colleague, Professor Georgina Long AO. Together, they were named 2024 Australians of Year for their pioneering work in melanoma and for their work in applying that science to brain cancer. Richard is also a Senior Staff Specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, and Conjoint Professor at The University of Sydney. He is widely regarded as the world's leading melanoma pathologist and one of the world's top melanoma researchers.
In June 2021, Richard was appointed Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to medicine, particularly in the field of melanoma and skin cancer, and for his service to national and international professional organisations. He has also received multiple awards from many prestigious medical, research and pathology organisations worldwide, and represented Australia as an age-group triathlete.
Garry Maddox is a senior writer at The Sydney Morning Herald.
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