Doctor told to apologise after missed bowel cancer diagnosis

Monday 10 November 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Mon 10 Nov 2025, 3:12pm

In this story Health and Disability Commissioner

The Health and Disability Commissioner found that a doctor missed three opportunities to refer a patient for testing over four months. Despite suffering severe stomach pains and significant weight loss, the woman only discovered her terminal bowel cancer during a follow-up for an unrelated condition. She has since passed away.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldMon 10 Nov 2025, 2:00pm

   Doctor told by HDC to apologise to woman’s family after missed bowel cancer diagnosis (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsMon 10 Nov 2025, 2:03pm

   'Fobbed off': Woman dies after missed chances to diagnose bowel cancer (opens in new tab)

3. RNZMon 10 Nov 2025, 2:40pm

   Doctor to apologise to woman's family after missed bowel cancer diagnosis (opens in new tab)

4. Otago Daily TimesMon 10 Nov 2025, 3:12pm

   Woman with 'horrendous stomach pains' died after cancer missed (opens in new tab)