The National Cancer Strategy 2003 is being prepared by the national cancer forum under the chairmanship of Professor Paul Redmond of Cork University Hospital in conjunction with the Department of Health and Children. The new strategy will set out the key areas to be targeted for the development of cancer services over the coming years and will make recommendations on the organisation and structure of cancer services nationally. This will have regard to existing policies in the areas of symptomatic breast disease and palliative care and the forthcoming recommendations of the expert group on radiotherapy services.