SINGAPORE, March 5 -- From December, Singaporeans identified as high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) will be able to access subsidised genetic testing, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Thursday (Mar 5).

According to CNA, eligible Singaporean and permanent resident patients can receive subsidies of up to 70 per cent, with seniors from the Pioneer and Merdeka generations entitled to additional support.

Patients can also use MediSave or Flexi-MediSave to cover remaining costs.

About one in 150 Singaporeans carries gene mutations linked to HBOC, which significantly increase lifetime risks of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

Women with such mutations face up to a 60 per cent risk of breast cancer and up to...