Kolkata: A digital mammography machine with stereo-tactic biopsy system was installed at a hospital in Kolkata on Tuesday. This new technology will help in prompt and accurate detection of breast cancer that in turn may extend a patient's life by about 20 years, said doctors of the hospital.

The new system - GE Senographe DS workstation - has been installed at B.P. Poddar Hospital and Medical Research Ltd, a multi-facility hospital specialising in oncology, traumatology and breast cancer, in south Kolkata.

'This all-digital system will revolutionise breast cancer detection by providing patients with faster and easier mammograms. The highly detailed images will help in better diagnosis,' said managing director of the hospital Devashish Poddar.

The hospital authorities claim this digital system is the third of its kind in Asia and the first in India.

'The mammography will simplify sharing of information and images to referring physicians and surgeons,' said chief breast cancer consultant Tapti Sen.

Latest survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research shows every year one million women are getting diagnosed with breast cancer. IANS