There is a greater incidence of gastrointestinal cancer in the UK than of lung cancer with approximately 56 360 cases per year in the former as opposed to 42 343 in the latter (Imperial Cancer Research Fund 1996). From September 1995 to September 1996, 325 cases of gastrointestinal cancers were diagnosed under the care of the Gastroenterology Team in Brighton, UK. It was highlighted by both medical and nursing staff that there was a need for a specialist nursing service to help provide the best possible care for these patients. Three years ago, a new post of Macmillan Nurse Specialist in Gastroenterology was created at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, UK. This is an innovative post funded by Macmillan Cancer Relief. The aim is to meet all newly diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer patients in the out-patient setting and to offer them nursing support from that point onwards, working closely with the multi-professional Gastroenterology Team.