Radiographers specialising in diagnosing conditions will be expanding their expertise to offer therapy following the introduction of a new Bachelor's degree.

The University of Malta yesterday signed an agreement with Cardiff University, in Wales, to offer the new two-pronged degree in radiotherapy in both diagnostic and therapeutic studies.

As the government prepares for the opening of Mater Dei Hospital's Oncology Centre - planned to launch operations in 2013 - 12 students will be starting the new four-year course in October.

While radiography is not limited to oncology, the therapeutic aspect is used to treat cancer patients through, for example, radio therapy.

"The fight against cancer through prevention, early detection and cure is top on this government's health agenda... Most forms of cancer can be managed more effectively if diagnosed and treated at an early stage," Health Minister Joseph Cassar said.

The course, to be held every year, will be based at the University of Malta.

So far, the University only offered a degree in the diagnostic branch of radiography. Students who wished to study therapeutics had to pursue their studies abroad, explained Cristina Chircop Micallef, from the Institute of Health Care.

Lecturers from Cardiff University would be visiting Malta to lecture on therapeutics, she said adding that third-year students would also spend six months in Cardiff.

A month ago, the health authorities signed an agreement with the Swiss government to buy a Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET) scanner. Through the deal, Switzerland will be contributing €1.8 million of the €2.5 million bill.

The PET scanner is an invaluable diagnostic instrument as it shows how tissues are functioning and allows doctors to see whether there are any live cancer cells.