Macmillan Cancer Support has welcomed the "greater clarity" around cancer networks in the NHS Commissioning Board Special Authority report on the future of strategic clinical networks.
Mike Hobday, director of policy and research at Macmillan, said cancer networks had played a central role in driving up the quality of cancer services and ensuring patients got the care they deserved.
He said: "While we are pleased that there is greater clarity on the role they will play in the reformed NHS, further assurances are needed around their focus and function.
"Proposals suggest networks will focus on early diagnosis. This is key in improving survival rates but it is vital they also continue to improve cancer patients' experience and ensure they receive co-ordinated care."
Macmillan has called for networks to focus on improving all outcomes for cancer patients, not just those around survival.
