Qld cancer trials get $7m boost

A $7 million funding boost will see an increase in clinical trials for cancer patients in Queensland.

The five-year funding arrangement between Queensland Health and Cancer Council Queensland will see 140 trials in 2015/16 focusing on different types of the diseases, including breast, skin and pancreatic cancers.

"Clinical trials improve health outcomes, save costs on the health system, and ultimately save lives by increasing the effectiveness of cancer treatment," Cancer Council Queensland CEO Professor Jeff Dunn said.

Health Minister Cameron Dick said the trials would significantly improve patients' chances of survival and help treatment protocols for future patients.

Opposition health spokesman Mark McArdle said while investment in research and trials was vital to finding a cure, similar emphasis needed to be placed on prevention.

Mr McArdle called on the government to support the Liberal National Party's bill to tackle smoking, which would ban smoking with five metres of government buildings and ban the sale of cigarettes from pop-up stores.

It would also ban smoking at all public transport waiting points, pedestrian malls, public swimming pools and skate parks, he said.