Several studies have investigated the prevalence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation in series of breast cancer cases unselected for FH in nonfounder populations (i.e. excluding populations such as the Ashkenazi Jewish or Icelandic populations where there are prevalent founder mutations) (Langston et al, 1996; Peto et al, 1999; Hopper et al, 1999; Malone et al, 2000). This evidence concerns the gene BRCA2 and breast carcinoma.