W.H.O. treatment priorities Early detection improves chances of survival, but WHO stress 'only when linked to effective treatment'. The WHO want to increase our awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer and help set up regular screening of apparently healthy individuals.

Accurate diagnosis of cancer is first step to effective management. Care of cancer patients starts with recognition of some kind of abnormality in body, followed by a visit to a health care facility for diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed then disease is 'staged'. The patient might be referred to a specialist cancer treatment centre.

Orthodox treatment for cancer is likely to involve a mixture of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy and surgery. The primary objectives of cancer treatment are: cure, prolongation of life and improvement of quality of life.

Survival rates Survival rates in standard treatments vary according to variety of cancer. For example advanced treatment of cancer of uterine corpus, breast, testis, and melanoma may produce a 5-year survival rate of 75% or more. Survival rates in cancer of pancreas, liver, stomach, and lung are generally less than 15%. Because of nature of cancer, many patients present themselves with advanced disease. The only realistic treatment for these patients is pain relief and palliative care. For insurance purposes, cancer is often regarded as incurable.

INGREDIENTS: Pick watercress from clean water areas by pinching out tops of plants. Uprooting them will destroy this resource for everyone. Gather a good handful for each person who will be sharing this delicious spring treat. Other ingredients for a soup for 4 people are:

2 large potatoes generous knob of butter dash of olive oil (to prevent butter burning) stock cube (chicken or vegetable) salt and freshly ground pepper single cream

1. Peel and cube potatoes and cook them gently in oil and butter until they are starting to soften. 2. Add boiling water and dissolve stock cube. Simmer for 10-15 minutes. 3. Coarsely chop watercress and add to mix for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. Liquidise and add in some single cream to taste. Salt and pepper to taste. 5. Use some purchased raw watercress leaves and pepper to garnish.

This nutritious soup is warming when hot and a refreshing summer soup when served cold. Watercress is part of Nasturtium family whose peppery leaves are well known for their nutraceutical value.
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