A woman with horrendous pain for years whose bowel cancer wasn't diagnosed in multiple GP visits - only got a diagnosis through follow-up for an unrelated melanoma

Open Justice reports the 43-year-old died about 18 months later.

A report by the Health and Disability Commissioner says the symptoms were put down to constipation or irritable bowel syndrome, and she wasn't offered a colonoscopy.

It notes missed opportunities for referral and diagnosis, and recommends a doctor involved in earlier treatment - now overseas - apologise to her family.

Aspects of the report have been sent to the Medical Council.