There are calls for the benefit system to be changed to make it easier for cancer patients.

The Cancer Society says 800 patients are on the Job Seekers Hardship benefit since the sickness benefit was replaced.

This means a lot of extra paper work, the need to provide up to date medical certificates and applying for exemptions for work.

Cancer Society CEO Claire Austin says the additional hoops patients have to go through as a result is ludicrous.

"It's a really insensitive approach to a really difficult time ... This is applying and then seeking basically a suspension of the requirement to work and having [to produce] ongoing medical certificates which are an additional cost, additional distress, and they're always going through a tough time already." 

Benefit Advocate Kay Brereton is also calling for a change. She believes the current system is fundamentally wrong.

"In that situation the system should be able to go okay, just provide me with the medical certificate that's going to say how long you're going to be receiving treatment for and we will just give you an exemption for that period of time."