Once cancer is diagnosed, the patient may require medical treatment and specialized care for months, and often years. The principal modes of therapy – surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy – may be given alone or in combination. Strong emphasis is now placed on the development of specialized cancer centres in which evidence-based multimodality therapy is applied, subject to evaluation by appropriately designed trials. After successful treatment, specific rehabilitation may be needed. When cancer treatment is not curative, maintaining the highest possible quality of life is paramount. For many patients, supportive and palliative care are essential and this often involves a range of professional services that extends beyond the discipline of oncology.