A spotlight on our healthcare system, with poverty linked to higher blood cancer deaths

An Auckland University study shows rates of adults with acute myeloid leukaemia were 20-percent higher in deprived areas, and the risk of death 15-percent higher.

Senior cancer biology lecturer Dr Maggie Kalev says this may be down to factors more common in poverty - like poor diet or smoking.

Kalev says regardless, everyone in New Zealand should be getting the same standard of care.

She says the healthcare system should be delivering personalised care - and identify diverse needs.