Blair Vining's case dominated the start of a two-day international cancer conference which started in Wellington yesterday.
The 38-year-old said he was told he had to wait eight weeks for an urgent appointment with an oncologist after his terminal bowel cancer diagnosis.
Mr Vining managed to book an appointment within a week with Dunedin oncologist Chris Jackson, the medical director of Cancer Society New Zealand.
His chemotherapy gave him a further three months to live.
SDHB chief medical officer Nigel Millar said the board was concerned to hear Mr Vining's story.
"We will be contacting Mr Vining hoping that he will wish to discuss this with us so that we can understand it in detail and respond to him fully," Dr Millar said.
"We are committed to reaching the target of treating patients with cancer within the expected times.
"It was fortunate that Mr Vining was able to receive treatment privately from Dr Chris Jackson."
Mr Vining's wife Melissa spoke to the conference yesterday, and challenged Health Minister David Clark - also due to speak - to improve cancer treatment times.
"Minister of Health, it's great to see you here," she said.
"However, I want you to know you have failed my husband and you have failed many other New Zealanders by not having a cancer plan."
Dr Clark said he acknowledged the need for improvement for cancer control and said the Government was working to improve it.
He thanked the Vinings for their bravery in sharing their story and urged others to give feedback online to the health select committee as a part of a wider health system review.
The interim report of that review was due in August and the final report in March next year.
Dr Millar said all patients were different and clinical circumstances varied.
"Depending on the stage and location of the cancer, patients will usually receive one, or a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care.
"Patients are prioritised according to need and initial suggested appointment times may change as more information becomes available or other clinicians are consulted."
- Additional reporting NZME
