The government is investing €1.3 million on four treatment planning stations which will give doctors unparallelled information on how to treat cancer tumours.

Health Minister Joseph Cassar said this morning that the planning stations would consolidate all the patients' medical information, such as CT scans, giving the professionals a 3D image of the tumours and ensuring that X-Ray treatment was  given with greater precision and intensity.

The new equipment, he said, is currently being used at Boffa Hospital and will be transferred to the new cancer hospital adjoining Mater Dei once it is completed.

This morning the Health Department also launched activities aimed at raising awareness about Melanoma (skin cancer).

Officials from the Dermatology Department explained that Melanoma claimed about six victims every year, which is not high compared to other countries However, with prevention and early detection, this figure may be reduced further.

They stressed that people should not stay in the sun for an excessively long time and suitable clothing and sun creams should be used.

People worried about irregular or odd moles can phone on 22987105 or 22987153 to participate in a special screening day on Monday.