Kolkata, Jun 18 (IANS): With the introduction of sophisticated techniques in cancer detection and therapy like PET-CT scan, preventive oncology has become a critical part of modern healthcare, said West Bengal Governor M.K.Narayanan here Monday.

"Preventive oncology has become important part. With passage of time, more sophisticated technologies have come forward. PET-CT scans are a quantum leap forward in tomography," Narayanan said while inaugurating the 128 Slice Ingenuity PET-CT scan system at the Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals here.

Touted as the world's first installation of such an advanced system in Kolkata, the Ingenuity scanning system lowers dose of radiation by 50 per cent and enables swifter imaging of tumor cells.

"Cancer is a killer disease, possibly more people die from cancer than any other disease. The availability should be a be a boon to cancer patients. It ensures better treatment," added Narayanan.