50% of those who would benefit from a cancer gene test aren't eligible under current regulations, announced 30 cancer researchers in a joint press conference in Jerusalem. The researchers had gathered at a conference hosted by Soroka Medical Center and the Israel Healthcare Foundation on July 10-11.
The test, which identifies the gene mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2, could help many avoid breast cancer. Ashkenazic women are particularly prone to be carriers for the genes.
At the moment, only those who report a family history of cancer qualify for screening.