The Cancer Society says the government's investment into cancer care is hugely significant.

The government is setting up a national cancer agency and has pledged $60 million for Pharmac to fund new drugs.

Cancer Society medical director Dr Chris Jackson told Kerre McIvor the high profile nature of it will ensure the government's held to account - by the opposition and the public.

"I think the most important thing is we've got the strong central leadership, and the director will be reporting not only to the minister but to the public."

He says Dr Diana Sarfati, who will head the agency, is highly respected and well-placed to do the job.

"We have got a strong leader. She will be reporting directly to the minister rather than through the ministry's layers of bureaucracy, so I think that is extraordinarily important too."

Dr Jackson says the agency's budget isn't clear - and how it's resourced will be the defining measure.

 

• Cancer Control Agency director says group will answer public's pleas