Only a third of cancer patients are receiving the radiation treatment they need, because of a lack of machines in the regions.

The Government has announced it will replace 12 radiation machines over the next three years.

Northland, Hawke's Bay and Taranaki will get the machines for the first time.

Radiation oncologist Dr Carol Johnson told Mike Hosking travel is a big reason why too many people aren't getting the treatment they need.

'We're missing out on a large number of patients, probably thousands a year, who are missing out on radiation and would benefit from it."

She says that the Government's announcement is a move in the right direction but there needs to be much more done in the next five to 10 years.

"We need to increase our doctors and our radiation therapists, and we need to add six to eight additional machines but place the machines in the regions."

 

 

 

• Government announces $25 million for more regional cancer treatments