Families of patients accuse Cypriot doctors of late cancer detection

In Cyprus, two court cases have been initiated simultaneously in connection with alleged medical negligence that may have led to the deaths of patients. Relatives of the deceased claim that doctors made serious diagnostic errors, resulting in delayed treatment and tragic consequences.

The first case concerns a 63-year-old woman who died of metastatic pancreatic cancer. Her relatives filed a lawsuit against a diagnostic center and a radiologist. On November 18, 2021, the patient underwent an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis after treatment for early-stage endometrial cancer. The doctor noted that the results “did not show significant abnormalities.” However, during a repeat examination on July 2, 2023, at the same center, a pancreatic tumor with peritoneal metastases was detected. The woman died on September 24, 2024.

The family insists that a retrospective analysis showed the tumor was already visible in 2021. A medical report dated March 1, 2024 stated: “In the tail of the pancreas, a lesion is visualized with gradually decreasing dimensions… in the latest study it measured about 3.7 cm compared to 4.9 cm on 2/7/2023, and was also detected on the MRI of 18/11/2021.” The relatives claim that the doctor failed to record the pathology in the report, which led to a late diagnosis and the patient’s death.

The second case involves a 37-year-old woman who died of cervical cancer. For a year she complained to her gynecologist about symptoms, but the doctor limited the diagnosis to “cervicitis” and did not refer her for further examinations. Only a year later, after consulting another specialist, the patient underwent tests that revealed stage III cervical cancer. Despite treatment being started, the disease was already too advanced, and in January 2025 the woman died.

The family filed a complaint with the Cyprus Medical Association, claiming that the actions of the first doctor constituted serious negligence, which led to a delayed diagnosis and the patient’s death. The complaint was filed in February 2025, the association began its review, and the case may be referred to regulatory authorities.

Both cases are under investigation. Relatives are demanding compensation for the alleged violation of medical standards, delayed diagnosis, and the loss of their loved ones’ lives. These cases have once again intensified the discussion about the level of responsibility of medical institutions and professionals in Cyprus, especially regarding cancer diagnostics and initial examinations.