There are concerns over the length of time cancer patients are waiting to see specialists or begin treatment. A Dunedin oncologist said more people being diagnosed with cancer and greater treatment options were putting a strain on the health system. Latest ministry health target results showed between April and June only 81.4% of cancer patients with a high suspicion of cancer received their first treatment within 62 days of being referred to a specialist. Cancer society medical director Dr Chris Jackson said the length of time cancer patients were forced to wait to see a specialist or begin treatment was a serious concern. Health boards were also expected to provide a first treatment to patients confirmed to have cancer within 31 days of a decision beingmade to treat them.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 12, 2017 19:30 UTC