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
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
10 November 2025
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.
© 2025 Newstalk ZB, NZCity
