From the genetic analysis of a subgroup of 116 women with ovarian cancer, we estimate a combined BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carrier frequency of 16.4% for ovarian, fallopian tube and primary peritoneal cancers classified as serous, high-grade endometrioid, mixed cell (containing a serous component) or undifferentiated adenocarcinomas not selected for family history of cancer. This evidence concerns the gene BRCA1 and ovarian carcinoma.