Many cancer networks are failing to improve services

A high number of cancer networks—the groups set up to lead improvements in cancer services at a local level and to implement England's national cancer plan—are failing in their role, warns a report published this week.

It found major variations in cancer mortality and in levels of access to newer drug treatments in different parts of England.

The report reviewed what had been achieved five years into the NHS cancer plan, a 10 year strategy to provide a comprehensive approach to …