Starting December, Singaporeans at high risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) will receive subsidized genetic testing. The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed that eligible patients can access means-tested subsidies of up to 70%, with additional support for seniors. Patients can utilize MediSave for remaining costs, and those 60 and above may use Flexi-MediSave.
Approximately one in 150 Singaporeans carries HBOC-associated gene mutations, significantly increasing cancer risk. Women with these variants face up to a 60% lifetime breast cancer risk and a 50% ovarian cancer risk. MOH deems HBOC interventions clinically and cost-effective, aligning with broader efforts in preventive care and precision medicine.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung anticipates over 2,000 individuals annually will be eligible for the HBOC test. Those found with mutations will be offered preventive interventions, including more frequent screenings or oral medications, with surgical options available for a minority.
Furthermore, MediShield Life coverage will extend to selected risk-reducing surgical procedures for HBOC patients who test positive. This includes risk-reducing mastectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, with coverage expected in the third and fourth quarters of this year, respectively. MediSave use will also cover co-payments for these procedures. MOH will continue evaluating other preventive surgeries for MediShield Life coverage.