One small study showed no benefit from tamoxifen in reducing breast cancer risk in BRCA1 mutation carriers, although it has been suggested that tamoxifen use in BRCA1 mutation carriers with breast cancer may reduce the incidence of contralateral tumours.13 14 In one case–control study, short-term (2-year) tamoxifen use was as protective for contralateral breast cancer as a longer (5-year) course in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, suggesting some potential chemopreventive efficacy.15 This evidence concerns the gene BRCA2 and breast cancer.