Low-income women may be eligible for cancer testing

Genetic testing is currently covered only by private insurance. But Friday First Lady Patti Blagojevich announced that women enrolled in Medicaid will be eligible for genetic testing and counseling.

Most hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are caused by mutations in two genes.

Coverage would be available only to women considered at high risk of carrying the genes because of a strong family history of breast cancer or a previous cancer diagnosis.