Finding into death of Francesco Fogliaro

73y · Male·Metastatic colon cancer

Francesco Fogliaro, a 73-year-old man with intellectual disability living in supported accommodation, died from metastatic colon cancer. He was found on the floor of his bedroom on 9 August 2024 with signs of infection and anaemia, prompting hospital admission. Imaging revealed advanced colorectal cancer with hepatic and pulmonary metastases. Following multidisciplinary discussion involving oncology, palliative care, and family, a palliative approach was adopted given his frailty. He died peacefully 22 days later. This case highlights the importance of early cancer screening in vulnerable populations with intellectual disability, who may have reduced capacity to communicate symptoms or access preventive health services. Earlier diagnosis might have enabled curative intervention.