The Cancer Council NSW is calling for dedicated car parking for cancer patients at treatment centres and hospitals.

The charity said a recent survey of 565 cancer patients and 122 staff at 44 cancer treatment centres in NSW found car parking is the biggest practical problem for cancer patients.

The survey also found that of the cancer treatment centres surveyed, 49 per cent had dedicated parking but many failed to inform patients of the arrangements.

Anita Tang, Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Cancer Council NSW, said the hospital parking system for cancer patients is a "disjointed mess".

She said at some hospitals, parking is so difficult that patients have to be dropped off and left alone at the entrance while their driver goes some distance to find a spot.

"Cancer Council NSW is calling on all Local Health Districts to provide dedicated free car parking for cancer patients, and also make sure that patients are informed about these arrangements," Ms Tang said.

"Many patients will already be stressed out from the ongoing treatment and car parking should be the last thing they have to worry about."