Sad update on former Australian of the Year Richard Scolyer's brain cancer battle

Published: 06:02, 31 May 2026 | Updated: 06:05, 31 May 2026 The family of renowned cancer researcher Professor Richard Scolyer have given a harrowing update on his fight with the terminal disease. The world-leading pathologist and 2024 Australian of the Year was given eight months to live when he was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer in June 2023. Three years on, he continues to bravely fight the disease. His wife, Dr Katie Nicholl took to Instagram on Saturday to share that life for the 59-year-old was becoming more challenging.  'Things are steadily getting harder for Rich, and time with family and friends continues to be so important for us all,' she said. 'I know we're not alone in this journey and we appreciate everyone's continued love and support.' The post was captioned with recent photos of Professor Scolyer surrounded by family and friends.  It attracted more than 1,800 supportive messages, including from the couple's daughter Emily. Pictures of the Tasmanian with family and friends, including one of the professor looking into his wife's eyes, was uploaded along with the message  'Things are steadily getting harder for Rich,' his wife (left) wrote 'You and dad are so strong, love you mum,' she wrote. Hundreds of other well-wishers sent messages of support.   'Watching Richard face this with such courage while surrounded by so much love is honestly heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time,' one said. 'Thank you for letting people share in these moments, I think many Australians are holding your family close in their hearts right now.' Another added: 'I believe the entire country is holding you tight and sending their love. A third wrote: 'Thank you, your work on earth may be done and all we can do is surround those you love with gratitude and blessings for sharing you with us,' another said. Next month marks three years since Professor Scolyer was first diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. Seven months later, he was jointly awarded Australian of the Year in 2024 with his research partner and Melanoma Institute Australia co-director Georgina Long for the thousands of lives they saved in pioneering new treatments for melanoma using immunotherapy. Next month marks three years since Prof Scolyer was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer  He also became the first brain cancer patient to undergo this treatment for his own disease.  The latest update comes after Prof Scolyer revealed in March the tumour in his brain had progressed but had not yet given up on the fight. 'Not the best day ever...' he posted on social media. 'Today I had another scan of my brain followed by further discussions with the neuro-oncology team who continue their wonderful care.  'There seems to be further progression of my brain tumour (glioblastoma) affecting brain functioning (as me and a few close friends can feel/see).  'Whilst it is a bit disappointing, in the big picture it's not the end of the road and I've got more to do! I love and enjoy challenges.  'I certainly haven't stopped yet. Hopefully I can share more special times with family and friends, and continue to advocate for cancer patients.' He revealed a year ago said his glioblastoma was becoming 'tougher to treat'. Nine months earlier, Professor Scolyer completed his 250th parkrun, a goal he set when he was first diagnosed.   He also said 'things go up and down with how I'm feeling during treatment' at the time. 'This week, it feels like the fog has lifted a bit and I've been able to enjoy some really special moments with family and friends.'  He also admitted his glioblastoma was becoming 'tougher to treat'. 'A recent MRI scan showed, in the left side of my brain, further progress of my glioblastoma (IDH wild-type, etc.) and related adjacent reactive change,' he said. 'Whilst this may not be the best direction to be heading with my changes, amazingly to me, I still seem keen to keep living, loving and having fun, whenever possible. 'I feel like there are quite a few people on my team, including my family and friends, and they make me happy and proud!' No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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