NICaN is made up of a number of regional networks.  These networks ensure a high quality, equitable cancer service across the region for patients, carers and their families.  They do this through:

• the development of standards, protocols and guidelines;
• the development of regionally agreed patient pathways;
• undertaking service improvement and redesign;
• undertaking audit; and
• the identification of funding priorities. 

There are two types of networks:

• Tumour networks - these groups relate to a specific type of cancer (e.g. breast cancer network, colorectal cancer network).
• Theme Networks - these groups look at issues that cut across all types of cancer (e.g. chemotherapy, primary care).