Experts have warned that urgent action is needed to ensure that the NHS is prepared for an expected 28 per cent increase in cancer prevalence across the UK over the next 20 years. In particular, NHS systems that deliver cancer drugs to patients are at breaking point, and the lack of chemotherapy capacity must be addressed because demand for anticancer drugs is rising sharply (Cassidy and Glynne-Jones 2005). This article describes strategies that can be adopted to improve patient capacity management, such as the use of electronic scheduling systems, consolidating hospital visits, closer corroboration with pharmacy departments and chemotherapy delivery in the community.