A middle-aged woman sought repeated care for recurring stomach and back problems. Despite clear symptoms and a family history of colon cancer, it took almost two years before the diagnosis was made. When the cancer was finally discovered, it had spread, and the woman died shortly thereafter. The Inspection for Health and Care (Ivo) is now sharply criticizing the health center.

The woman’s first contact with the health center concerned lower back pain. She was prescribed painkillers and physiotherapy, which Ivo has no objections to. But already at the next visit, it emerged that she had pronounced stomach problems and also a documented family history of colon cancer.

Here, Ivo believes that suspicions of cancer should have been raised, even if the evidence at that time was not sufficient for an urgent investigation. However, it is not clear whether this information reached a doctor, something the authority considers should have happened.

Inadequate examination and communication

During the following year, the patient returned with abdominal pain, constipation, and gas problems. A clear tenderness in the abdomen was noted during an examination, but the diagnosis ended up being suspected muscle inflammation.

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At the same time, there is no documentation of whether the patient’s changed bowel habits were brought to the attention of the doctor. There is also no evidence that a rectal examination was performed – an action that, according to Ivo, should be included in a complete abdominal assessment.

Mistaken for gastritis

When the woman later sought care for fatigue and shortness of breath, it is unclear whether the information reached the responsible doctor. Despite increasing abdominal pain, the symptoms were later assessed as gastritis, and treatment was initiated in that direction.

Almost two years after the first visit, the woman returned in very poor condition, with fever, severe abdominal pain, and breathing difficulties. She was then referred to the emergency department, where the investigation revealed advanced colon cancer with metastases in the liver and lungs. Less than six months later, she passed away.

Ivo: “Serious deficiencies in care”

In its decision, Ivo states that the health center failed on several crucial points:

• Delayed investigation of suspected cancer
• Incomplete clinical examination
• Insufficient documentation and information transfer between staff

According to the authority, the woman’s life could have been at least prolonged if a correct and early investigation had been carried out.