Cancer Institute NSW statistics show there was an average of 16.7 breast cancer deaths per 100,000 women in the Hunter Cancer Council region between 2003 and 2007. The state average was 13.7 deaths per 100,000 women.

The region's colon cancer death rate per 100,000 people for the same period was 20.6 compared with the state average of 15.9.

Similarly, the Hunter's bladder cancer death rate was 6.5 compared with the state average of 4.7.

Cancer Institute NSW acting chief executive officer Rob Sanson-Fisher said the mortality rates reflected a combination of lifestyle factors, victims' inability to recognise cancer symptoms, not being able to see a doctor quickly and lack of appropriate diagnosis.

"It's pretty hard to say it's a system failure; it's a trail," Professor Sanson-Fisher said.

"Someone might develop early signs but may not recognise them. If they do recognise them and decide to see a doctor, they may have trouble getting in.

"Obviously the last step in the chain is access to a specialist referral service."

Adding to the problem is access to cancer treatment.

The Herald reported last month that members of the Calvary Mater Hospital's medical staff council considered difficulties accessing medical oncology services in the Hunter to be "extremely serious".

Hunter cancer patients were waiting up to eight weeks to see a medical oncologist.

In a statement, Hunter New England Health cancer services director Colum Smith said the Hunter New England Health Service's cancer plan reflected the need to increase services, particularly for rural communities.

Work was progressing on installing a fifth linear accelerator at Calvary Mater Hospital.