People at high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer will be offered free genetic testing, with the Medical Services Advisory Committee deciding to list the test on the Medicare Benefits Schedule.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, with one in eight diagnosed before the age of 80.
Melody Caramins from the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia said the BRCA 1 and 2 genetic test would be available for free for at-risk patients and their families.
"It is a huge milestone and will significantly improve the lives of Australians, offering more choice via access to affordable screening and treatment options," Dr Caramins said.
"For patients with cancer, it will change their management and treatment."
The public became much more aware of BRCA gene test when US actor Angelina Jolie announced she had the mutation and had a double mastectomy.
The genetic test had cost patients as much as $2,000, but the price had dropped to about $600.
More patients likely to be identified
Pathologists say increased access to the test means more patients with the mutation are likely to be identified.
Dr Caramins said patients with breast or ovarian cancer would be able to get the test for free, once medical specialists assess their family history and risk.
If someone has breast and ovarian cancer and has the mutations, all their relatives will be able to have the test for free.
"If they don't have the mutation, they can go back to normal screening," she said.
"If they do have it, they can then decide on what action to take such as a double mastectomy."
If people do not qualify for the free test, they can still have it and pay for it themselves.
For more on the decision, read the Medical Services Advisory Committee report.
