[ElaineM]

I think it is quite possible that there are genetic variations of the original BRCA 1 and 2. Families and different generations of families move around the globe. They can be affected by environmental factors, different diets, different lifestyles, marriage to people of other ethnic groups etc. etc. All of these things and other possible factors can result in many variations of BRCA 1 &2.
My paternal cousin passed away from breast cancer. I am BRCA 1 & 2 negative, but I am not sure what she was. There have been other kinds of cancer diagnosed in my generation, but previous generations did not experience cancer as far as I know.