There's concern GPs are being left out of cancer care

A Journal of Primary Heath Care study shows GPs should be involved in all stages of care to give patients the best chance of success against the disease.

Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners medical director Dr Bryan Betty agrees.

He says cancer care is becoming more complex and there's a perception it's only hospital based.

But Betty says patients are living longer, and there's more integration into community care - which is where GPs step in.