1. All cancer care should be provided through a national system of four managed, care-control networks.
2. Hospital care for cancer should be provided in approximately eight cancer centres, each serving a minimum population of 500,000.
3. Cancer-care pathways should be developed to link primary care, hospital care and other relevant services.They will be specific to major cancer types, and will reflect guidelines and standards set down by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
4. Patients should have their diagnosis established and treatment planned by site-specific, multi-disciplinary teams.
5. Tobacco use is the single largest causative factor, accounting for 30 per cent of all cancer deaths in developed countries.
The single most effective measure against smoking in the short-term is sharp price increases.
6. Breast screening should be extended to women between the ages of 50 and 69.
7. A colorectal screening programme should be established.
8. All patients should receive care in cancer centres and services that are licensed for the management of cancer.
9. HIQA should develop guidelines for quality in dealing with cancers.
10. HIQA should convene a group to determine priorities for the assessment of new technology.