Woman Sues Health Provider Over Delayed Cancer Diagnosis
A woman in her 50s is suing Clalit Health Services, alleging medical negligence led to a delayed diagnosis of advanced colon cancer. The lawsuit claims that for over five years, starting in 2019, the woman repeatedly received positive results for fecal occult blood tests, a potential indicator of gastrointestinal issues including cancer. Despite these results and referrals for colonoscopies, she contends she was not adequately informed about the significance of the findings or the urgency of the procedure.
According to the lawsuit, filed by attorneys Rafael Almog and Rotem Tzayoni, the pattern of positive tests and referrals continued for years without the patient completing the necessary colonoscopy. The suit alleges that even when it became clear the patient was not following through with the investigation, insufficient steps were taken to ensure she understood the seriousness of her condition.
It was only in August 2025 that the woman finally underwent a colonoscopy, which revealed a large tumor in her rectum. She was subsequently diagnosed with advanced colon cancer that had spread locally and distantly. She has since undergone surgery, chemotherapy, and other oncological treatments, reportedly suffering from lasting disability and a significantly reduced quality of life.
Expert medical opinions submitted with the lawsuit support the claim of negligence. Professor Shmuel Heyman, an internal medicine and emergency medicine specialist, described the handling of the case as "extremely negligent," stating that repeated positive results coupled with a patient's failure to complete diagnostic tests require more than just issuing new referrals. He argued the medical team should have actively engaged the patient to ensure understanding and follow-through.
Professor Rachamim Ben Yosef, an oncology expert, estimated that if the cancer had been diagnosed even a year earlier, the patient's survival chances would have been significantly higher. He noted that at the time of the actual diagnosis, the five-year survival rate had dropped to approximately 40%.
The plaintiffs are seeking up to 2.5 million shekels in compensation for the damages incurred. Clalit Health Services has not yet filed a defense statement.
