Some Australian doctors are ignoring research that could halve the number of radiation treatments breast cancer patients have to endure.

Research has shown the typical number of radiation treatments that patients are subjected to – about 25 to 33 – can be condensed into just 16 treatments at higher doses.

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The studies show the higher dosage has no long-term impact on patients, is just as “safe and good” as the longer course of treatment and is more convenient, particularly for rural patients who travel long distances, according to Professor Geoff Delaney, director of cancer for the southwestern Sydney district.

It also eases the burden on the health system, saving money and cutting down waiting lists.

But while some radiation oncologists are moving towards the shorter course of treatment, an analysis of patients treated between 2008 and 2012 by Prof Delaney shows Australian doctors are moving very slowly and many are still treading with caution.

“Doctors are a conservative group of people when it comes to change for fear that we’re changing to something that might in the longer term be worse,” Prof Delaney said.

His study, to be unveiled at the annual scientific meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists in Adelaide on Saturday, shows doctors appear more willing to administer the shorter treatment to older people, suggesting they’re fearful of giving it to younger people who are more likely to live longer.

Some departments are treating 90 per cent of patients with the faster regime but others are only treating 10 per cent.

“Studies have shown out to ten years that the side effects are no different,” he said.

Prof Delaney wants to raise awareness among doctors about the safety of the shorter course of treatment, to ease the burden on patients and the health system.