Across Europe, cancer services were struggling to meet patient needs and deliver required care prior to the pandemic, and the United Kingdom had failed to achieve many of the government’s cancer targets. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a substantial impact on how cancer care is delivered currently and may be in the future. As we learn from events during the pandemic and their consequences, we need to ensure cancer care remains focused on the individual needs of a patient with cancer. Whilst rebuilding services and learning from the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also need to focus on patient needs and acknowledge the experience of professionals. This will allow us to increase our preparedness for future crises, build resilience into future services and embrace new developments, which will enhance the care provided.