Former Australian of the Year and pioneering cancer doctor Professor Richard Scolyer has died aged 59.
The world-renowned melanoma expert tragically passed away three years after being diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour.
Professor Richard Scolyer has died. Picture: Tim Bauer
Professor Scolyer said that he wished to be remembered as a “proud everyday Aussie” in an emotional open letter published after his death.
“My final message to all Australians is to say thank you for your outpouring of love and support for me and my family,” he wrote.
“I haven’t sugar coated my journey and I sincerely thank you for allowing me the space and opportunity to share it with you, warts and all. I hope I have in some small way made the road ahead easier and smoother for others.
“If my legacy was to continue beyond these words, I would be delighted and humbled to be remembered as a proud everyday Aussie who ‘gave it a crack’, and in doing so, inspired others to pursue their dreams and passions with humility, love and compassion.”
He was a pioneering force in cancer care globally. Picture: Facebook
He also pointed out that he was “perhaps lucky” that due to the impacts of his late stage cancer, he was “unlikely to have been aware” of his “own decline over these final weeks”.
“I write this knowing that my wonderful family would have been by my side every minute, as they have been throughout my cancer journey,” he added.
Just over a week before his passing, Professor Scolyer’s wife, Dr Katie Nicholl, shared an album on social media which included a devastating update on his health battle.
“Things are steadily getting harder for Rich, and time with family and friends continues to be so important for us all,” she wrote.
“I know we’re not alone in this journey and we appreciate everyone’s continued love and support.”
Prof Scolyer’s groundbreaking work, which saw him revolutionise cancer care by helping establish the world’s largest melanoma biobank, was globally lauded.
Professor Richard Scolyer and his family, including his wife, Dr Katie Nicholl, daughters Emily and Lucy, and son Matthew. Picture: Supplied
He held leadership roles at the World Health Organisation and the American Joint Committee on Cancer.
He was also the Chair in Brain Cancer Research at the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.
In 2024, Prof Scolyer was awarded Australian of the Year alongside his research partner, Melanoma Institute Australia co-director Georgina Long.
He was initially given just eight months to live after first being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer – IDH wild type glioblastoma – in 2023, but managed to fight the harrowing odds for three years.
He spoke about the ordeal with ABC’s Australian Story in January this year, admitting he was “amazed” that he was “still here”.
“The average survival is in the order of 12 months for the type of cancer that I’ve got. But to still be here more than two and a half years later, that’s incredible,” Prof Scolyer said.
