The National Cancer Strategic Framework 2017 – 2022 reflects the country’s commitment to reduce the burden of cancer among all our people. This commitment is made amidst many competing demands from both health and developmental contexts, including our quadruple burden of disease and the high impact of social determinants of health. Many people continue to experience inequities in accessing health services and this Strategy is the platform to improve access to all components of cancer prevention and control, on an equitable basis. The increasing burden of cancer both internationally and in South Africa is worrying. I am especially concerned about the manner in which the diseaseimpacts on our lives, especially on those who are most vulnerable. I am aware that increasing cancer incidence and mortality is a challenge to all; patients and families who are directly affected by the disease - especially those who have limited access to care; health professionals who are faced daily with the challenges of diagnosing and treating patients, and government officials who must plan and be accountable for effective and cost- efficient service delivery.