BCAC welcomes latest Government reports which show that 99 per cent of all cancer patients needing radiation therapy start treatment within four weeks.
Government figures for the third quarter of this year show that cancer patients in all DHBs received radiation treatment within six weeks and most received the treatment within four weeks.
BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says shorter waiting times for radiation treatment are welcome relief for cancer patients and their families.
"It was only a few years ago that some patients were having to wait for months for radiation treatment and some were even being sent to Australia for radiation therapy," Libby says.
"BCAC has pushed for shorter waiting times for radiation and chemotherapy treatment for those with breast cancer and we're delighted to see that the DHBs are now delivering for cancer patients needing radiation therapy."
The Minister of Health, Hon. Tony Ryall, says, "Four weeks is the gold standard worldwide for starting cancer radiation treatment. From January to March, 99 per cent of patients started their cancer radiation treatment within four weeks and 100 per cent started within six weeks.
"Right in the middle of the period we had the Canterbury earthquake, which makes this result even more impressive. It's a tribute to the DHBs, and the South Island regional cancer centres in particular," Mr Ryall says.
Libby says she hopes the Government extends its commitment to shorter waiting times to other cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and breast reconstruction.
