Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association said:
"Pharmacies are a massive untapped resource to help detect serious illnesses such as cancer early on, which we know greatly improves survival rates for many cancers.
"It is good news therefore that the government want to make greater use of the convenience and accessibility of community pharmacies, who see 1.6 million patients a day, to spot early symptoms of cancer and refer patients to specialists if needed.
"With the right support, pharmacies are able to help prevent a whole range of serious illnesses as well as improve the management of long term conditions."
