Cancer-related deaths among cases referred for forensic evaluation in Türkiye: a 5-year retrospective analysis

Cancer is a major global cause of mortality and holds particular importance in forensic cases regarding diagnosis, treatment processes, and determination of cause of death.

This retrospective study analyzed 163 cancer-related death cases referred for forensic evaluation to the First Specialized Board of the Council of Forensic Medicine of Türkiye between 2019 and 2023. Demographic, clinical, pathological, and forensic data were evaluated comprehensively.

Most cases were male (79.1%), with a mean age of 57.3±18.5 years. The most common primary cancer was lung (30.7%). Diagnosis relied mainly on medical records (84%), while 12.3% were diagnosed solely by autopsy. Comorbidities were frequent (74.2%), the metastasis rate was high (46.0%), and deaths mostly occurred in hospitals (78.5%). Malpractice claims were present in 36.8%, particularly higher in interventional treatments.

Autopsy and histopathological examinations remain essential for diagnostic accuracy in forensic cancer-related deaths. Malpractice allegations were more frequent among cases undergoing surgery and chemotherapy/radiotherapy, although these findings reflect allegations rather than confirmed malpractice. A multidisciplinary approach integrating clinical, pathological, and forensic data is crucial for medicolegal evaluation.