Holistic needs assessments (HNAs) are interventions used by clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) and other members of the cancer team to deliver personalised care to people living with cancer. HNAs have been used since the launch of the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative in 2007, with many cancer services embedding them in routine patient care. However, shortcomings in HNA delivery remain, notably in terms of the number of people who receive them. This article prompts nurses to reflect on how HNAs can be effectively delivered to all patients with cancer as and when they need them. The author discusses the principles of personalised cancer care, the benefits of HNAs and when, where, how and by whom HNAs should be carried out. Recommendations to support nurses in cancer settings to increase and improve HNA delivery include CNSs, cancer support workers and allied health professionals joining forces and collaboration between secondary and primary care teams.