Australians of the Year Aim to Cure ‘Incurable’ Cancer
Richard Scolyer, the Australian of the Year, and his co-researcher, Georgina Long, have been jointly recognized for their dedicated mission to eliminate deaths from melanoma, Australia’s deadliest form of skin cancer. Despite facing his own battle with incurable brain cancer, Prof. Scolyer has urged the community to remain bold and courageous in the fight for life.
The award-winning professors have revolutionized medical treatments and saved thousands of lives through their groundbreaking discoveries in melanoma research. When Prof. Scolyer received his diagnosis in June 2023, he and Prof. Long developed world-first treatments based on their melanoma breakthroughs. Reassuringly, recent scans have shown no recurrence of his brain cancer.
As we strive for a better future, we must be bold and courageous— that’s how things change, Prof. Long expressed during an interview with ABC radio. She also expressed hope for an extension of Prof. Scolyer’s life and a potential cure for his supposedly incurable cancer.
Overwhelmed and uplifted by the support from the community, Scolyer acknowledged that their groundbreaking research had gained significant momentum. The pioneering scientists have called for greater focus on skin cancer as a national health priority, emphasizing the need to end the glamorization of tanning.
To effectively combat this disease, we urgently require a targeted screening program and increased investment in research, Prof. Long emphasized at the award ceremony.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commended the scientists for their achievement, highlighting the impact their message would have on the government. He expressed how it would motivate federal and state governments, media organizations, and all members of society to raise skin cancer awareness.
Prevention was a core message delivered by Prof. Scolyer, who stressed the importance of regular skin check-ups. The professors have been at the forefront of public education on sun-smart behavior and skin cancer prevention, striving to transform advanced melanoma from a fatal disease to a curable one through the activation of patients’ immune systems.
In a passionate call for greater sun safety, Prof. Long pointed out that there is nothing healthy about a tan. She urged advertisers and social media influencers to stop glamorizing tanning and using it for entertainment or commercial purposes. The scientists drew a parallel between tanning and smoking, emphasizing the negative consequences and the need for a change in public perception.
During their acceptance speech, the professors paid tribute to the families who had lost loved ones before groundbreaking treatments were available. They vowed to continue their vital research in honor of those affected by melanoma.
In addition to Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long, other remarkable individuals were recognized for their accomplishments. Olympic champion Emma McKeon was named Young Australian of the Year, while teacher and community leader Yalmay Yunupingu received the Senior Australian of the Year award. The title of Australia’s Local Hero went to David Elliott, a dedicated pastoralist and dinosaur enthusiast.
The achievements of these exceptional Australians have shed light on the importance of early detection and prevention in the fight against cancer. By spearheading pioneering research, Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long have triggered a paradigm shift in the approach to melanoma treatment. Their efforts have not only saved lives but also sparked a nationwide call for action to prioritize the fight against Australia’s most lethal cancer.
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