13 December 2017 - Cancer patients around the country are waiting months to receive their first bout of potentially life-saving treatment as hospitals struggle to keep up with demand.

One worried man, whose mum has just been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, says the diagnosis and wait for treatment will put a damper on what will likely be the family's last Christmas with her.

An oncologist told the Herald more people being diagnosed with cancer and greater treatment options were putting a strain on the health system.

Read New Zealand Herald article