ARE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS MORE LIKELY TO HAVE A PARTICULAR GENE MUTATION?
• Recent studies have shown that there are three specific mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 that are more common in Jews of Eastern European origin (Ashkenazi Jews). These are called founder mutations. About 1 out of 40 Ashkenazi Jews carry a founder mutation in one of their BRCA genes. About 20% of Jewish women diagnosed with breast cancer before age 41 have a BRCA founder mutation. This information makes it somewhat easier to analyze the genes, because we know what to look for in the laboratory. • Founder mutations have also been seen in other populations living in such as Iceland, Holland and French Canada. Additional ethnic groups may have founder mutations, and research can help to identify these groups.
