Rauner approves expansion of breast cancer screenings

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PARK RIDGE, Ill. (AP) — Insurance plans and Medicaid providers in Illinois will be required to cover a new technology for breast cancer screenings under a new law approved by Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The 3D mammograms that insurance plans will cover work by taking X-rays from different angles to make it easier for doctors to detect cancer. Rauner called it a "cutting-edge screening tool" and says it puts the state at the forefront of fighting breast cancer.

The governor signed the measure Wednesday at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in suburban Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Public Health says breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women in the state. The agency estimates 10,290 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.